Evolve Endurance Club athlete Gabriel Farrugia finished in first place in the third leg of the Athletics Malta Road Running League, organised by Rush Athletics Club in Safi. He completed the race in 14:50, six seconds ahead of Dillon Cassar from Mellieħa. Simon Spiteri (St Patrick’s) claimed third place with a strong finish of 15:01, securing his first podium position of the season. With this result, Farrugia set a new Under 23 record, improving his previous best non-stadia 5k time by 15 seconds.
With Luke Micallef, the winner of the first two races, missing this event, Farrugia’s victory adds excitement to the men’s competition as it reaches the halfway point. This also raises expectations for the final three races, which will include the 5k and 10k National Championships. In another record-breaking performance, 17-year-old Michael Debattista Segond finished 5th in 15:54, setting a new Under 18 national record.
In the women’s race, 17-year-old Mireya Bugeja, in her debut season on the road, completed the race in an impressive 18:00, setting both Under 23 and Under 20 records. Although Bugeja is not competing in the national series, Pembroke’s Lisa Bezzina claimed first place for league purposes, finishing in 18:16, ahead of Rosalie Borg (Pembroke) and Mona Lisa Camilleri (Libertas).
In the club standings, Mellieħa AC extended their lead in the men’s league, pulling ahead of Evolve Endurance Club and Żurrieq. For the women, Pembroke’s strong performances, including two podium finishes, have given them a solid lead over Mellieħa AC and Żurrieq as they aim for the league title.
The fourth race will be a 10k event in Ħal Far on 19th January 2025.
