John Lenehan and Danica Bonello Spiteri were the latest road runners to win the Malta International Challenge Marathon trophy over the weekend.
The Challenge is a unique marathon held over three days. It starts on Friday with a 10-mile race in Siggiewi. On Saturday, athletes run a fast and flat 5km course in Marsascala. The event ends on Sunday with the toughest race, a 21km (half marathon) route starting in Bugibba, which includes a climb up Wardija Hill, a loop around Xemxija, and finishes at the Aquarium in Bugibba.
Among the participants were several international athletes who travelled to Malta for the event. Irish runner John Lenehan, the winner of the men’s race, remained unbeaten throughout the three days. Glenn Bonello, the first Maltese runner to finish, followed in second, with Cuneyt Micallef in third. The top three positions stayed the same throughout the Challenge.
Danica Bonello Spiteri made her debut in the Challenge, showcasing her experience as a triathlete with a strong endurance background. She won the longer distance races, finishing ahead of Francesca Arrigo. However, Arrigo ended Bonello Spiteri’s unbeaten run on Saturday, winning the 5km race. The final female podium saw Bonello Spiteri in first, Arrigo in second, and Melanie Azzopardi in third. Azzopardi showed consistent performance, securing third place in all stages of the Challenge.
Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club will host its final event of the year on 13th December, the Eurosport BSJ Fleur-De-Lys Races. These races, which will raise funds for YMCA, will feature a 10km and 5km race, held in memory of Jake Vella, a cherished member of the Club.
Malta International Challenge Marathon Results:
Male
1st: John Lenehan (2:33:00)
2nd: Glenn Bonello (2:50:50)
3rd: Cuneyt Micallef (3:05:23)
Female
1st: Danica Bonello Spiteri (3:14:31)
2nd: Francesca Arrigo (3:20:34)
3rd: Melanie Azzopardi (3:23:13)
Age Groups
Over 35
1st: John Paul Mifsud
2nd: Christian Farrugia
3rd: Silvio Sciberras
Over 40
1st: Redent Spiteri
Over 45
1st: Antoine Abela
2nd: Joseph Zammit
3rd: Jean Borg
Over 50
1st: Jason Cassar
2nd: Raymond Grech
3rd: Andrew Buttigieg
Over 55
1st: Rob Voorn
2nd: Ron Van der Veen
Over 65
1st: Joseph Grech
