Mellieħa AC runner Andrew Grech crosses the finish line to win the Smart City Malta 8K race.

Mellieħa AC runner Andrew Grech is the winner of this year’s Smart City Malta 8K road race, organised by St Patrick’s AC.

Now in its second edition, the Smart City Malta race, held in the Kalkara and Xgħajra area, attracted the participation of 140 athletes in the seniors race, 20 youngsters in the 2km juniors race and a small number of walkers in the 8km walk.

Grech completed the race in 26 minutes and 10 seconds to finish ahead of Steve Chetcuti (Birkirkara St Joseph) and Gerald Grech (AS Libertas).

In the women’s category, the winner was Carmen Hili, of St Patrick’s, in a time of 31 minutes. She was followed by Doreen Camilleri (Żurrieq Wolves) and Johanna Calleja (Birkirkara St Joseph).

In the juniors 2km race, Laura Sammut, of St Patrick’s, placed first among the girls in a time of six minutes and 58 seconds.

Meave Phillips and Maria Ghigo, also of St Patrick’s, were second and third respectively.

The boys’ race was won by Stefano Pace Parascandalo, of Żurrieq Wolves, in seven minutes and four seconds.

The other top-three finishers were AS Libertas runner Luke Mizzi and Matthew Camilleri, of Gozo Greyhounds.

Nestle, Hotel Ta’ Ċenċ Hotel & Spa, Hilly, Ronhill, Powerade, Raysun products, Buff Headwear and Kee Klamp were the other sponsors of the race.