Tommy Wallbank and Josann Attard Pulis won the 10km race at the Maqluba Edition of the Hudson Race Series powered by Nike on Sunday morning, in a race decided by close finishes at both distances.
The two-loop course, known for its undulating terrain, has drawn strong fields since it was introduced a decade ago, and this year was no different.
The men’s 10km turned into a head-to-head between Wallbank, one of the emerging names on the local scene, and Charlton Debono, back in the series with a wealth of experience behind him. The pair ran shoulder to shoulder for much of the race until Wallbank made a late surge over the final 1.5km to win in 33:19, with Debono second in 33:41. It was Wallbank’s first win of this year’s series. Mark Herrera completed the podium, holding off Jordan Britcliffe and a returning Aaron Mifsud.
Attard Pulis led the women’s race in 42:48, with Catherine Chetcuti keeping the pressure on throughout to finish in 43:06. Therese Calleja was third in 46:40.
The 5km race was just as tight. Adrian Cutajar held off Brandon Saliba in the closing stages to win by two seconds in 16:59, with Luke Vella third in 17:35. Charyl Fava won the women’s 5km in 19:56, ahead of Chrystal Parnis (21:45) and Anabel Casingena (22:13), both on the series podium for the first time.
The organisers thanked Hudson, the Qrendi and Żurrieq Local Councils, Transport Malta, the volunteers and race officials. The third race of the series takes place in Dingli on Sunday 10th May.
| 10km Males | 10km Females | 5km Males | 5km Females | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tommy Wallbank (33:19) | Josann Attard Pulis (42:48) | Adrian Cutajar (16:59) | Charyl Fava (19:56) |
| 2nd | Charlton Debono (33:41) | Catherine Chetcuti (43:06) | Brandon Saliba (17:01) | Chrystal Parnis (21:45) |
| 3rd | Mark Herrera | Therese Calleja (46:40) | Luke Vella (17:35) | Anabel Casingena (22:13) |
Photo Credit: 10k Series Malta
