Farrugia sets a new Under 23 national record
Gabriel Farrugia and Roberta Schembri have claimed the 10k National Championships after winning this year’s edition in Ta’ Qali, a race which also served as the third of six in the national road running series for 2025-2026.
Żurrieq’s Gabriel Farrugia took home the title, while registering an Under 23 national record time of 30:19, ahead of Evolve’s Aidan Tanti (32:12) and Gozo Atletix’s Isaac Leo Attard (32:14). With this win, the third in three races, Farrugia strongly consolidated his leadership at the top of the road running league, as he seeks to claim the national title for the first time in his young career.
Among the women, Evolve’s Roberta Schembri reclaimed the title after four years, taking the National Championship in a time 37:11. Ritianne Zammit (Pembroke) and Isaura Camilleri (Żurrieq) finished second and third respectively in 37:56 and 38:07. While the women’s road running title remains all to play for before the final three events, Schembri’s second win in three races puts her in the driving seat half way through the series.
For this year’s event, in order to increase participation and the level of the event, Athletics Malta opened the race also for international athletes and local non-competitive athletes. Among the women, the event’s top spot was taken by British athlete Jemima Farley in a superlative time of 34:09.
Another record set during the day was by youngster Aliyah Galea (La Salle) who set a new national best in the Under 18 category with a 46:46 timing.
Farrugia’s dominance in the male category puts Żurrieq Wolves in a commanding position in the Clubs classification, with the past years’ contenders, Evolve and Mellieħa AC, having to battle it out for second place. Among the women, Pembroke Athleta remain on course to defend their title with a significant lead ahead of Evolve.
The fourth event of the series will take place on 8th March, the Beat Your PB 10k race in Ta’ Xbiex.
