University Ring Road Fun Run/Walk & Relay in support of Hospice Malta

An individual 5km run/walk, 2km run/walk, 5km relay (teams of 4) and 800m children’s fun run were held and a total of 155 participants took part in the day’s events. Participants included Prof. Juanito Camilleri—University Rector, Joe Azzopardi – Group CEO of MUHC, a number of established triathletes and runners, as well as a group of young triathletes from the Malta Youth Triathlon Academy.

Keith Galea, national triathlon champion, won the 5km event in a new course record of 16minutes 45 seconds. Dermot Galea was second in a time of 17:23 and Michael Saliba was third. Saliba was also first University student in a new course record of 17:56, while Holger Mitterer was the first University employee to cross the finish line. In the female category, Hannah Pace was the overall winner and also first University student in a new course record (overall and student record) of 20:23, followed by fellow student Nina Zammit (21:13) and Christabel Saliba (22:42). Nicki Camilleri won the award for first University employee in another course record of 24minutes.

The 2km event was won by Jean Claude Randon (5:59) and Kelly Busuttil (7:56), who both set new course records. Groups of participants ran or walked the distance together, with the event serving as a way to promote fitness and fun to people of all ages and different fitness levels. The event was also a good team building exercise, with a case in point being the 5km relay. This event was won by DGtri Team A in a time of 16:50, followed by Hot Fuzz and DGtri Team B. Team F won the award for first team of University students, while MUHC were the first team of University employees.

The 800m children’s fun run was all about participation and enjoyment, with children from the ages of 3 to 13 running around the track, encouraged – and in some cases accompanied – by parents and other relatives. Prizes were also awarded for the best fancy dress costume to a child and adult, with the colourful costumes adding to the fun atmosphere on the day.

The event was organised with the support of the Birkirkara Scout Group, Emergency Fire Rescue Unit (EFRU) and Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club. The event was also sponsored by Discover University Open Week 2014, Kellogg's, TeamSport, San Michel, GO business, Raysun, Sunshine Snacks, Go & Fun Green Energy Drink Malta, Jeffrey Cassar Photography, Xerox, Delta Media Services, Buff Malta, Horace Enterprises Ltd, Stefan Stafrace Photography, Pierre Darmanin Photography and Debenhams

Hospice Malta offers Palliative Care services to persons suffering from cancer, motor neurone disease, terminal lung, heart and kidney disease. Hospice supports over 900 patients and their families every year and therefore donations such as the funds being donated from this event are crucial to ensure the continuation of Hospice services in Malta and Gozo, all of which are provided free of charge.

The results and photos of the event are available at www.universitysportsandleisure.com and on the Malta University Sports and Leisure Facebook page.  You may send an email to [email protected] for further information.

The next edition of the University Ring Road Fun Run/Walk & Relay will be held in March/April 2015.