Charlton Debono, Roberta Schembri shine in the 10km Race, Miguel Del Pozo, Tara Abdilla take 5km Race honours
The downpour that hit the three hundred and so athletes that were ready to race in the Eurosport BSJ Fleur-de-Lys 10k and 5k Road race certainly did not dampen their competitive spirit.
In the 10k Road Race, a composed Charlton Debono showed class and prowess when he led the way from start to finish, clocking an impressive time of 31 minutes 52 seconds. This result follows Debono’s recent success abroad where he broke the national record for the marathon with his performance in Valencia.
Charlton Debono taking the lead (Photo Credit Roberto Runza)
Following Debono, was fellow Gozitan Matthew Xuereb who clocked a personal best time of 34 minutes 02 seconds. In third place, and just three seconds behind was Pierre Chicco.
10km Race – Mens’ Podium Left to Right – Matthew Xuereb (2nd Place), Charlton Debono (1st Place), Pierre Chicco (3rd Place) (Photo Credit Roberto Runza)
In the Females’ category, Roberta Schembri took the honours when she finished the race in 38 minutes 6 seconds. Schembri who also won last year’s race, had a comfortable lead ahead of Agatha Liturntuk who clocked a finish time of 42 minutes 56 seconds. In third place was Tara Borg Manche who finished the course in 43 minutes 35 seconds.
10km Females’ Podium
Left to Right – Agatha Liturntuk (2nd Place), Roberta Schembri (1st Place), Tara Borg Manche (3rd Place (Photo Credit Roberto Runza)
The 5k Race saw less of a gap between the first three males. First to finish was Miguel Del Pozo who was the first to cross the line in 16 minutes 8 seconds. Del Pozo was followed closely by Simon Spiteri who finished in 16 minutes, 13 seconds, whilst third placed Mark Herrera finished two seconds behind Spiteri.
5km Race – Mens’ Podium Left to Right – Simon Spiteri (2nd Place), Miguel del Pozo (1st Place), Mark Herrera (3rd Place)
(Photo Credit Roberto Runza)
Tara Abdilla won the females’ category in a time of 18 minutes 52 seconds. Abdilla was followed in second place by Mary Clare Vella and Marie Claire Cremona who clocked 21 minutes 34 seconds and 21 minutes and 44 seconds respectively.
5km Race – Females’ Podium Left to Right – Mary Clare Vella (2nd Place), Tara Abdilla (1st Place), Marie Claire Cremona (3rd Place) (Photo Credit Roberto Runza)
“The Eurosport BSJ Fleur-de-Lys Road Running Races brought to a successful end another packed calendar of events organised by Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club throughout 2019. The Club continued to invest heavily in sports equipment and personnel to meet the demands of the various disciplines it organises, with the sole aim of giving the participating athletes a proper sporting experience of high standards” explained Euchar Camilleri, Secretary General, Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club. “The Club’s administration would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation of such an intense programme. We look forward with optimism towards 2020 – Birkirkara St. Joseph’s 45th year since its foundation.”
Prizes to the Age Group and Overall Winners were presented immediately after the race by Mr. Anthony Chircop representing the Local Councils Central Region and Mr. Brian Cremona representing Eurosport Malta.
The Race was supported by the Local Councils Central Region, Eurosport Malta, Malta Police Force. Thanks goes to all the volunteers that assisted throughout.
