There's a catch, so just calm down. Don't go pulling a muscle trying to get to the computer to quickly register for the half marathon online!

Anyway, you knew there'd be a catch. There always is. As the Americans say, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

So here it is: to qualify for a free entry in 2010, the catch is you have to have participated in and finished the first Malta Marathon in 1986. If you did, and you are taking part in the 2010 event (either in the half marathon or the full marathon), then we will be pleased to extend you a free entry.

Any eligible runners are simply requested to apply online at the marathon website (www.maltamarathon.com) and in the Comments Section on the application include the phrase, "participated in the 1986 inaugural Malta Marathon".

For those who ran in 1986 and take part in the 2010, 25th Malta Marathon (half or full event), I think we should also get some special T-shirts made, printed with "Malta Marathon Pioneer" and take some commemorative pictures on the start-line in Mdina.

Road running in Malta in 1986 was in its infancy. Today thousands of Maltese go out training regularly.

In 1986, only 60 Maltese took part in the Malta Marathon. In a way, they were the pioneers of the running "boom" in Malta today.

If they hadn't trained for and raced the first Malta Marathon, showing that there was local interest in hosting such an event, it is doubtful if we would all be here training for the 25th edition.

Running bug

Further to my mention in my last article of Anna Grech and her effect on the lifestyle of her husband Mario, Hector Gatt wrote to me a few days ago with his own tale.

Hector tried to start running in the summer of 2007 but his enthusiasm lasted only a couple of weeks. Then, in 2008, he met up with St Partick's runner Cyprian Dalli who encouraged him to try again.

He started training again in summer 2008 and took part in the St Vincent de Paul (SVPR) 5k. Sadly, as soon as winter came his enthusiasm waned once more and he stopped running again.

Fast forward to April 2009, Hector's girlfriend, Daniela Cumbo, (also a beginner) suggested they should start training together. This seems to have worked, with Daniela's enthusiasm rubbing off on him.

Since they started together, they have completed the Mosta 8k race, the Olympic Day Run 10k, the Birżebbuġa 10k, the SVPR 5k once more and the Gudja 8k.

Hector admits that this time they have truly caught the running bug, and it has proven to be really contagious.

Not only has their fitness improved, but also it has had a positive effect on them as a couple.

Since the Gudja 8k, Hector and Daniela have steadily increased their training and ran almost an hour and a half on a recent Sunday long run.

It's too early for thoughts of the half marathon, he feels, so for now they are focused on taking part in and completing their first M2S in three weeks.

The take-home moral of the tale of Hector and Daniela seems to be; if at first you don't succeed, find a girlfriend who runs!

Mdina-Spinola

Talking of M2S, this year we are expecting a record number of entrants. Last year we had 243 people showing up in Mdina one hour before the race all wanting to register. This year we expect more.

So, registration on M2S day (Sunday, December 20) will be at Mdina Gate car park from 07.00-07.30.

The race will begin at 08.00. Bringing the exact entry fee of €7 will make your registration go as smoothly as possible.

Help us to help you.

Be careful out there and enjoy your training.

johnwalsh42195@yahoo.it