PRESS RELEASE - FRIDAY 6^th NOVEMBER 2009

 

19^th Malta International Challenge Marathon 27^th 28^th 29^th November 2009

 

At Palio’s Restaurant within the Westin Resort Hotel, St. Julians recently was the venue for the annual Press Launch of the 2009 Malta International “Challenge” Marathon. Barry M. Whitmore, the Founder, President and Race Director welcomed his Executive “Team” members to a “get-together” meal and event launch.

The Race Director opened the evening by welcoming his executive team of 21 members by emphasizing the importance of a strong, reliable & well oiled group of experienced people who have worked together continuously.

 

HIS EXCELLENCY GEORGE ABELA PRESIDENT OF MALTA

Barry paid a tribute to His Excellency George Abela, President of Malta whose message on page 2 in our official 16 page colour program, that he as a runner, wishes the runners and the events organisation the best of luck.

 

THE 3 STAGE ROUTES

He announced that there were no changes to any routes so the same as for the past several years. These routes have all received Local Council and Police approval. Stage 1 Mdina Gardens, start 13.00hrs, finish Rabat. Stage 2 St. Georges Bay 12.00hrs, finish Birzebbuga Church. Stage 3, start 07.00hrs Wignacourt Tower, St. Paul’s Bay, finish under the gates of Freedom Square, Valletta from 08.15hrs to 11.30hrs.

LOCAL COUNCILS AND POLICE

He paid a special thanks to the four Local Councils for their continued support, namely the Councils of Rabat, Birzebugga, St. Paul’s Bay and Valletta. These councils are very important to the success of the event as the three stages start and finish under these councils control. He added that as important is the dedication and respect the Police have for this event, in particular the Traffic Division and District Police.

Ending the final stage on Sunday 29^th November under the gates of Freedom Square is a tribute to Malta as the most fitting place to finish an International event as this and one very important reason overseas runners come.

 

THE TEAM

He also thanked his team for attending and taking the time to insure that the 19^th Challenge is successful and all members charged their glasses and toasted to this success. During the three course meal, the Race Director paid tribute to his wife, staff and the St. John Ambulance for their loyalty and long service. Some of the team has been together from the start in 1991 and many have completed 10 and 15 year’s service.

 

OVERSEAS RUNNERS SIMILAR TO LAST YEAR

He highlighted that again the number of runners was a comfortable 125, 30 increase on last year, for this demanding ”three day” event.  He also said he was satisfied with the overseas input as it is similar to last year and considering the world economy crisis and generally tourism is down, to be the same is a success.

 

MALTESE MODERN TIME RECORD

He is particularly very happy about the local increase from just 54 runners in 2008 up to 94 this year. This he has put down to two factors, 1) the event has a great respect amongst the local runners and 2) the Challenge organizers have been very active this year with “Hilly” Clothing sponsorship of 6 local Maltese road races. He said that he expects this number to reach 100 with late entries this coming week until closure.

 

NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND THE “MEDAL”

This year our competitors T Shirts will be embroidered on the front with the event and main sponsor logo. Again our beautiful 70mm cast die medal has been ordered and on there way from abroad. It has the Maltese Islands as a “cut out” and in the colors of Malta. A new frame will also be available for sale at registration for runners wishing to purchase. This frame will consist of the runners “bib”, medal, certificate and finish line photo.

 

SPONSORS

Barry thanked all his sponsors and contributors namely, main sponsor Hilly Clothing Company UK, The Dolmen Resort Hotel, General Soft Drinks for Kristal Water and Powerade, The Malta Tourist Authority, Kompakt Trading Ltd, FMC Motors Ltd., Bacchus Restaurant, Ganesha Indian Restaurant, La Sibylle Restaurant in the Dolmen Resort Hotel, Allfreight Ltd., Herbies Jewellery Ltd., Winning Ways UK, Wedding Bells in Malta, Custom Lab Ltd., Consolidated & Devon Biscuits, Foster Clarks, Golden Harvest, Nestle Ltd., and Twistees.

 

Recognition for the services and support given must also go to the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Sport, the Scouts groups of Hamrun Lyceum, Msida, Pembroke and Zebbug and all the friends and family of Barry and Isabelle Whitmore.

 

The Race Director finished the evening by wishing the whole team and the media a very successful 19^th campaign and extended an invitation to a post event dinner at the Dolmen Resort after the prize giving on Monday 30^th November 2008.

 

Barry M. Whitmore, the Founder, President and Race Director

 

Next year’s 20^th edition date is: 26, 27 & 28 November 2010