The sum of €75,000 was raised in aid of Puttinu Cares Cancer Support Group during the Good Friday night walk that saw a record of 8,000 participants.

The first to arrive at the finish line in front of Senglea parish church were those who were fit enough to jog all the way from Mellieħa, taking about two-and-a-half hours to complete the 27-kilometre route.

For most participants the main feat was to complete the entire journey as they had never covered such a long stretch on foot.

Though some were on the brink of exhaustion, having taken up to six hours to reach their destination, their expressions were of satisfaction and fulfilment.

Contacted by Times of Malta, Oliver Tanti from the organising team said the response was overwhelming with the number of participants doubling last year’s total.

“Thanks to sponsor generosity we incurred no expenses for the transport before and after the walk, refreshments to participants, the certificates distributed at the end, and the first aid service,” he said.

The biggest challenge for next year will be to accommodate more participants.

The night walk started 10 years ago when Joseph Vella from Mellieħa and his son-in-law Glenn decided to do something different on Good Friday to raise money for charity.

It is now a hugely popular annual event and attracts people from all over the island.

Last year more than 4,000 people took part raising €50,000.