The annual spring festival of road races, organised by Pembroke Athleta, have now reached their 18th edition. This year, the races in Pembroke and nearby localities will be held on April 1.
At the launch, club president Victor Camilleri told those present that the event has flourished into much more than a single 10km run.
“I must admit that, although 18 years ago the organising committee had in mind to establish a 10km race in and around Pembroke and Swieqi, this event has evolved into something much bigger,” he said.
“It can easily be said that this is now a family event, centred around the participation of youngsters, hopefully to instill a love of sport and to make athletics their way of life, a sport which they can really enjoy for many, many years.”
This year, the organisers are going one step further by introducing a seven-kilometre walk, sponsored by Vee Gee Bee.
“This will be a fun event for adults as much as the 1,200m is the fun race for the children,” Camilleri said.
On April 1 at 8.30 a.m., the 5km and 10km races, sponsored by Kyocera Mita and the 7km walk, will start simultaneously. The other traditional events get underway at 10 a.m.
Camilleri said the applications received so far, with less than two weeks to go, are as encouraging as last year as the entries exceed 1,300, of which 170 runners have registered for the 10km alone, a record for the organisers.
The numerous participants in the fun run will be divided according to age so as to ensure order and safety which are the club’s major concerns.
Vital backing
Camilleri claimed it’d be hard for Pembroke to stage these events without the help of other entities.
“The backing we receive from the Local Councils of Pembroke and Swieqi is invaluable,” he said.
“The government is again giving its full support and I can assure you that the organisation of our races would not be complete without the contribution of the medical staff, the Red Cross and the assistance given by others, particularly the race marshalls.”
With the exception of the fun run, there will be trophies for the top finishers in all races while cash vouchers will be given to the top three in the 10km race.
Application forms are still available from athletic clubs and the Local Councils at Pembroke and Swieqi. Applications may be downloaded from www.pembrokeathleta.com.