Athletics: Charlton Debono and Roberta Schembri take top honours as Gozo hosts historic league opener

The Athletics Malta Road Running League got off to a historic start with the Nadur 10K, marking the very first time that a race held in Gozo has formed part of the national road running league. The event attracted a record number of participants and featured a newly World Athletics certified course, making it a landmark occasion for athletics in Gozo and a fitting start to the new league season.

The race brought together athletes from various affiliated clubs, with runners competing for individual and team honours in the opening event of the league.

Charlton Debono made a winning start to this season’s Athletics Malta Road Running League, taking victory in the opening leg, the Nadur 10K. Competing on home soil, the Evolve Endurance Club athlete crossed the finish line in 32:47, ahead of Mellieħa AC’s Tommy Wallbank, who clocked 33:18, while Ryan Bugeja of Żurrieq Wolves completed the podium in 33:25.

Evolve’s Roberta Schembri also got her title defence off to the perfect start in Gozo, claiming victory in the women’s race in 39:18. She was followed by Mona Lisa Camilleri of Libertas AC in 41:14 and Christine Zerafa of La Salle in 43:11.

The team competitions also produced strong performances across the participating clubs. Mellieħa AC topped the men’s team classification, closely followed by Żurrieq Wolves in second place and Evolve Endurance Club in third.

In the mixed team classification, La Salle claimed first place, with St Patrick’s AC and Żurrieq Wolves are tied in second place.

Attention now turns to the second race of the league, the Safi 5K, organised by Rush AC, which will take place on Sunday 6th December.