
PRESS RELEASE
The 20th edition of this world famous and unique,
Malta Challenge Marathon is almost with us, just a week away. How twenty years
have passed so quickly. In those twenty years, this event has encouraged 51
different countries and 4,171 participants to run in
MALE COMPETITORS
Within the 150 runners, we have several previous winners,
one no more important than Englishman, David Mansbridge who won the event 4
times, was 2nd 6 times and 3rd 4 times having run the
“Challenge” a massive 14 times. His best time was in 2000 with 2hrs 22’42”,.He
is currently 46 but still running well and posted a recent 6km time of 19’ 58”,
a 10km of 33’ 56” and a 10 mile time of 55’ 31” so on this 2010 form, should
give Jonathan and Brian a good run for their money. Now we have our own
Jonathan Balzan, 3 time winner in 2005, 2008 and 2009 with a best Challenge
time in 2009 with 2hrs 26’ 08”. Also Jonathan is in great form and has recently
won a local ½ marathon in a time of 1hr 12’ 42” and according to his coach,
Roger Zammitt, is at his very best. Previous 2007 winner, Brian Magri is also
in fair form and when he won the Challenge he posted a time of 2hrs 29’ 19”. So
we can see, with these three and other local top runners and some surprise
overseas runners, we have a great race on our hands. UBET, take notice of 18
year old Simon Spiteri, he is my outside bet for a top 5 position and could be
the new long distance male blood of Malta.
FEMALE COMPETITORS
Well, probably far more difficult to forecast. Carol Walsh,
winner in 1992, 2006, 2007 and 2008 has all but retired from competitive racing.
Also with last years winner, Marisa Muscat still recovering from injury and not
running the “Challenge”, leaves room for our up and coming females. However, let’s
look at the “hardy” and “experienced”, Carmen Hili, the only person to win the
“Challenge” on 4 consecutive years. She won in 2002, 2003, 2004 and again in
2005. Her best time was 2hrs 56’ 27” in 2004 and from first hand confirmed
reports, she is gradually returning to full fitness so with her experience,
will be the one to beat. Her local competitor will defiantly come from the
young 23 year old and up coming Joelle Cortis, also coached by Roger. She has
been winning a few local races lately and also competed in the
Convert that to a full marathon and we have a sub 2hrs 50’.
Another female seems that marriage is good for her is Pauline Briffa nee’ Vella
who did a useful 3hr 16’ 03” last year and should improve this year. So will
Roger Zammitt get a second double winner? Last year it was Jonathan and Marisa.
Will it be Jonathan and Joelle or will David and Brian and Carmen and Pauline
object to that, can not wait to find out?
LOCAL COUNCILS AND
POLICE
We would like to pay a special thanks to the four Local
Councils for their continued support, namely the Councils of Rabat, Birzebugga,
SPONSORS
We would like to thank all the 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, Nestle Fitness Malta Ltd., Kompakt Trading Ltd, Bacchus Restaurant, Diwan’s
Indian Restaurant, La Sibylle Restaurant in the Dolmen Resort Hotel, Isabelle
Mizzi Photography, Allfreight Ltd., Herbies Jewelers Ltd., Winning Ways UK,
Wedding Bells in Malta, Custom Lab Ltd., Consolidated & Devon Biscuits and
Twistees.
SCOUTS & HELPERS
Scouts groups of Hamrun Lyceum, Msida, Pembroke and Zebbug
and all the friends and family of Barry and Isabelle Whitmore.
NB: PLEASE CONFIRM
YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU WISH THIS PRESS RELEASE AND SOME PHOTO’S SENT TO YOU
BY EMAIL
Barry M. Whitmore, the
Founder, President and Race Director
21st edition
date is: 25, 26 & 27 November 2011
22nd
edition date is: 23, 24 & 25 November 2012
Phone Barry or Isabelle on 79 32 04
75 / 79 33 90 46
Email: bmw@marathonchallengemalta.com www.marathonchallengemalta.com