The House of Sport 10k Valletta Road Race is considered to be one of the most beautiful yet toughest in the Series. The route is categorised as hilly and it is no wonder that many ahtletes share an awe of this route.
Held under the auspices of the Malta Amateur Athletics Association, this particular route keeps on attracting the crowds, with an increase of nearly one hundred athletes from the previous edition.
Amongst the nearly three hundred athletes who were on the start line early on Friday morning, were race favourites Charlton Debono and Lisa Bezzina, who so far have an unbeaten record in this year’s Series.
Lisa Bezzina was on a mission to break the course record which she established in 2016. Bezzina’s determination resulted in her successfully retaining top billing but also smashing the record by nearly one minute to win the race in a time of 37 minutes 33 seconds. Her performance was no match for closest contender Josann Attard Pulis who clocked a time of 40 minutes 5 seconds, despite not being her best time on the route, Attard Pulis still registered an improvement from her previous time. Notable performance was registered by Jolene Debattista. Debattista who has taken part in all three editions of this race, has shaved off nearly five minutes from her original time to cross the line in third place in 45 minutes 21 seconds.
Charlton Debono’s unbeaten record was seriously threatened with Mohammed Nuradin Shifa’s performance. A similar duel was experience in the Series Burmarrad Route, with Shifa hot on Debono’s heels. From the very start the two athletes were almost running abreast, however it was in the last few hundred metres that Debono showed his prowess and expertise to sprint to another win with just three seconds to spare. Third placed was Matthew Scicluna, who clocked off after 34 minutes and 52 seconds.
Trophies and prizes were presented to the winners by Race Director Charles Demanuele, immediately after the race, in the presence of House of Sport Representatives.
The next race of the House of Sport 10k Series is scheduled to take place on Sunday 14th January.
Photo Credit: Angie Conti
