Winner Keith Galea hoists the trophy on the podium in Marsaxlokk.

Danica Bonello Spiteri (St Patrick’s) and Keith Galea (Birkirkara St Joseph) underlined their ability to adapt to any kind of multisport event when they claimed the top honours at the National Aquathlon Championship, organised by the Malta Triathlon Federation (MTF) in Marsaxlokk last Sunday.

The aquathlon championship was raced over the standard distances, namely a 2.5km run, a 1,000 metre swim and another final run of 2.5km.

A record 56 triathletes took part in Sunday’s races.

In the men’s category, Keith Galea was off to a blistering start, covering the first run in just 8:36. He was followed by Steve Chetcuti, Fabio Spiteri and the young Shaun Galea.

It was in the swim where Keith Galea pulled clear of his rivals as he established a one-minute lead over Graham Borg.

Keith Galea was strong all the way, finishing the race unchallenged in 33 minutes 52 seconds, 48 seconds faster than his time last year over the same course.

Borg held firm to defend second place, improving his placing from last year, while Chetcuti came home third to complete the podium.

In the women’s section, Margaret Seguna reached the first transition in first place ahead of Bonello Spiteri, Michelle Vella Wood and Hannah Pace in that order.

Bonello Spiteri’s swimming prowess proved too much for her rivals as the experienced triathlete stayed clear in the home finish to secure the title.

Bonello Spiteri improved her time by almost two minutes from last year.

Seguna held on to second to emulate last year’s result while Pace took third place on the podium.

In the age-groups, Shaun Galea and Nina Zammit topped the under-23 category, while Spiteri claimed the over-40 title.

The honours in the over-50 senior category went to Suzanne Farrugia and Gaetano Catania.

Cutajar comeback

The race at Marsaxlokk featured an emotional moment as James Cutajar, the victim of a serious cycling accident a couple of months ago, returned to competitive racing.

Cutajar crossed the finish line amid the cheers of friends and fellow athletes who welcomed him back to the triathlon family.

This was the second national multisport championship organised by the MTF for the season which will come to an end with the Grand Finale National Triathlon Championships on October 11 in Mellieħa.

In a statement, the MTF expressed its gratitude to the volunteers, helpers and marshalls, as well as to Simonds Farsons Cisk, suppliers of San Michel and Gatorade, Go&Fun Malta, Birkirkara St Joseph, Joseph F. Spiteri & Co (1927) Ltd, the Marsaxlokk and Birżebbuġa Local Councils, Transport Malta and the Malta Police Force for their support and assistance.