All smiles after the presentation of awards
Sunday 10 March marked the 8th edition of the BRND WGN & University Ring Road Races and once again the event proved to be a huge success with over 550 participants gathering at the University athletics track for this annual event.
This is the fourth year running that BRND WGN has collaborated with the organisers, Malta University Holding Company, as title sponsors, to help the races reach new heights. What makes this event so special, apart from providing an opportunity for University students and staff to integrate with the rest of the community, is the fact that half the proceeds are donated to Hospice Malta. While the final amount is yet to be confirmed, over €5,000 has definitely been raised from this year’s event and other related fundraising initiatives organised in line with the event.
The sunshine, as well as numerous forms of live entertainment, helped keep spirits high as the event kicked off with the five-kilometre race and walk, with close to 300 starters including Murphy from BRND WGN, dressed head to toe in pink.
The race was won by Philip Vella of Mellieha Athletics Club in a time of 16:49. Vella was followed by University student Alain Hauser and Charles Micallef, in what turned out to be a close battle for second and third place.
Josann Attard Pulis, Starmax athlete and one of Malta’s top female marathon runners, went on to take first place in the women’s section in a time of 19:40, ahead of University student Emily Caldwell in second place and Celia Zahra in third place.
The 2km race was won by Graziano Geremia of Starmax in a time of 6:12. The young Malta Youth Triathlon Academy athlete, Emilia Vella emerged victorious in the female sector in a time of 7:45.
In the 5km relay, always a favourite among spectators and competitors alike, 24 teams took to the starting line of the University athletics track. Despite being a close fought battle, it was Savio Athletics Club who won the race in a new course record of 16:00, ahead of Team XG boys and one of several participating teams from La Salle Athletics Club. Team XG Girls were the first female team to cross the line and the top three corporate teams also received awards (teams from Outdoor Living Malta, STMicroelectronics and Engel & Völkers Sara Grech respectively).
An 800m fun run was also organised, with over 80 children taking to the starting line in between enjoying the bouncy castle, face painting and other entertainment; making the whole event an ideal Sunday morning out for families.
Even though not everyone can make it onto the podium, the event is suited to cater for all and everyone seemed to have a great time. Joe Azzopardi, Group CEO of Malta University Holding Company was very pleased with how everything turned out and commented 'I actually remember running around the ring road as a University student back in the 80s. We’re extremely proud to have revived this old tradition and to see how far the BRND WGN & University Ring Road Races have come. Each year we strive to work harder to make the event more fun for all and above all to help raise more funds for Hospice Malta. It’s always great watching things come together after months of hard work and we’re extremely grateful for all the external support we receive. The 8th edition has definitely been our biggest and most successful event yet and we’re already looking forward to planning the next one.'
Peter-Jan Grech, CEO and founder of BRND WGN added: 'This year’s event was a fantastic celebration of sport and fun and we’re extremely happy to have been part of this worthy fundraiser once again.'
Photo credits: Vince Piscopo (Photoscopo)