A selection of mountain runners represented Malta at the 32nd European Mountain Championships, in Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria, earlier this month.

The men’s race included a continuous climb of 1,400m from the natural geyser resort of Sapareva Banya to the mountain peaks covering a total distance of 12.5kms.

Luke Micallef (Pembroke Athleta), third in the National Mountain Running Championships this year, was making his debut on the international scene in Sapareva Banya.

He proved himself on the challenging course, coming home first from among the Maltese runners and beating athletes from nine other countries including those from Poland, Hungary and Andorra.

Drew Lang (Pembroke Athleta), who was wearing the national team colours for the first time, was second Maltese runner at the finish ahead of Gerald Grech (AS Libertas), Johann Cassar (Birkirkara SJ), Charles Cilia (Agones) and Matthew Cutajar (St Patrick’s).

A week  before, Cilia had competed in the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Italy.

The women’s race was on a shorter version over the same course with a total elevation of +770m and covering a total distance of 7.7kms.

Lisa Bezzina (Pembroke Athleta), winner of the Malta National Championships this year, closed off her outstanding season with another fine performance as she raced home ahead of 10 others from established mountain running nations such as Mexico, Ireland and Canada.

Rita Galea (Mellieħa AC), Carmen Hili (St Patrick’s) and Angele Satariano (AS Libertas) completed the team and helped to overtake Hungary and Andorra in the final standings.

The Maltese athletes in Bulgaria were accompanied by Ivan Rozhnov –  the Athletics Malta long distance and cross-country coordinator.

The squad was also supported by the sponsorship of Perskindol Malta.