Farrugia sets new 5k National Record and secures CSSE qualification
Isaura Camilleri claimed her maiden 5k national title with a superb performance in the Athletics Malta National Championship held around Ta’ Qali, the fifth event in the Road Running League calendar for this season. The Żurrieq Wolves athlete registered a strong time of 17:37, ahead of Pembroke’s Ritianne Zammit (17:44) while Roberta Schembri of Evolve took the third spot on the podium in 18:01.
In the men’s category, Gabriel Farrugia of Żurrieq made sure of double glory on the day, winning not only the 5k Championship, but securing the National Road Running League title for the first time in his career. For the 21-year-old Żurrieq athlete, this was his fifth consecutive win this season, and his 14:26 timing goes into the record books as a senior and Under 23 record on this distance. Simon Spiteri (St Patrick) clocked 14:33, joining Farrugia in the two qualifying spots on this distance for the CSSE Games, while Pembroke’s Luke Micallef claimed third in 14.43s.
With the men’s title already secured by Farrugia, Aidan Tanti, Charlton Debono, Tommy Wallbank and Isaac Leo Attard will battle it out in the final race for second and third place.
Conversely, it is all to play for in the women’s league, where Ritienne Zammit, Isaura Camilleri, Roberta Schembri and Rosalie Borg remain in contention. The decisive 5K, organised by Mellieħa AC on 3 May, will determine who claims the women’s individual crown.
In the club competition, Żurrieq Wolves consolidated the win at the top, while Mellieħa AC strengthened their grip on second place, ahead of Evolve Endurance Club. Among the women, Pembroke look set to retain their title, maintaining a healthy lead on Evolve.
Mireya Bugeja wins 1500m race in US, setting new U23 record
Meanwhile, another accolade for Maltese athletes abroad, with Mireya Bugeja, winning the Women’s 1500m at the Wake Forest Invitational in North Carolina, in the US, with a time of 4:23.22, establishing a new U23 record.
