John Lenehan and Danica Bonello Spiteri were the latest road running athletes to etch their name on the Malta International Challenge Marathon trophy over the weekend.
The Challenge, as it’s known in athletic circles, is a distinctive marathon held over three days. It kicks off on Friday morning with a 10-mile course in Siggiewi. On Saturday, athletes tackle a fast and flat 5km route in Marsascala. The event culminates on Sunday with the longest and most demanding course—a 21km (half marathon) route starting in Bugibba, which takes participants up Wardija Hill, around Xemxija, and finishes at the Aquarium in Bugibba.
Amongst the participants were a number of foreign athletes who travelled purposely to Malta for the Race. Irish athlete John Lenehan, winner of the Males’ race, maintained an unbeaten run throughout the three day event. Following him on the podium was Glenn Bonello – the first Maltese to finish the race and Cuneyt Micallef. The three maintained these positions throughout the duration of the Challenge.
Danica Bonello Spiteri made her Challenge debut over the weekend, showcasing her experience as a seasoned triathlete with a strong background in endurance sports. She demonstrated her skill in the longer-distance events, winning the longer distance races ahead of Francesca Arrigo. However, Arrigo put an end to Bonello Spiteri’s unbeaten streak on Saturday, claiming victory in the 5km race. The final podium saw Bonello Spiteri in first, Arrigo in second, and Melanie Azzopardi in third. Azzopardi had a steady performance throughout the weekend, consistently securing third place across all stages of the Challenge.
Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club will be hosting its final event of the year on the 13th December, when it will host the Eurosport BSJ Fleur-De-Lys Races. The races, which will raise funds for YMCA will consist of a 10km and 5km race and will be held in memory of Jake Vella, a beloved member of the Club.
Malta International Challenge Marathon Results
| Male | Female | |
| Overall | ||
| 1st | John Lenehan (2:33:00) | Danica Bonello Spiteri (3:14:31) |
| 2nd | Glenn Bonello (2:50:50) | Francesca Arrigo (3:20:34) |
| 3rd | Cuneyt Micallef (3:05:23) | Melanie Azzopardi (3:23:13) |
| Age Groups | ||
| Over 35 | John Paul Mifsud (1st) Christian Farrugia (2nd) Silvio Sciberras (3rd) | Adrienne Szabo |
| Over 40 | Redent Spiteri | Pauline Briffa |
| Over 45 | Antoine Abela (1st) Joseph Zammit (2nd) Jean Borg (3rd) | Loren Mercieca (1st) Lorraine Xuereb (2nd) Rachel Padovani (3rd) |
| Over 50 | Jason Cassar (1st) Raymond Grech (2nd) Andrew Buttigieg (3rd) | Brigitte Calascione |
| Over 55 | Rob Voorn (1st) Ron Van der Veen (2nd) | Birgit Voom |
| Over 65 | Joseph Grech | |
