An extreme running race – appropriately called LungBuster - was held this morning, with some 50 die-hard enthusiasts from all walks of life taking to the hills of San Martin and Mizieb.

The activity was the first of the Hellfire Race Series and followed up the successful, if gruelling Summer Hellfire Triathlon last August.

LungBuster was a 9km run with a total change in elevation of 900m – equivalent to a 10% gradient. It started at the highest point of San Martin and the runners then proceeded downhill to the Xemxija valley and up to Mizieb.

Funds were raised for Inspire.

Organiser Nathan Farrugia, no stranger to extreme sports, said it had been a successful fun event, and he thanked, in particular, the police for their assistance.

Young athlete Johan Galea came first with a time of 30m 50 seconds followed by Fabio Spiteri.

Marika Micallef came first among the women with a time of just over 38 minutes followed next by Margaret Seguna.

The no-quitter prize went to Harvey Wadge (58 minute)