The President's Charity Run - a run from San Anton Palace to the President's Palace in Valletta, was a spectacular success this morning, with almost 6,000 runners taking part. Officials said more than 4,000 registered up to yesterday and their number swelled this morning. They paid €10 each as a donation.

President Abela - who jogs regularly - led the run under glorious sunshine from his official residence in Attard through Hamrun, Blata l-Bajda and Floriana to Valletta.

A number of people opted to join the run at Sta Venera or at Floriana. Among those taking part were the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Secretary Joe Cassar and Opposition finance spokesman Charles Mangion.

Republic Street was packed with runners as they headed down towards the Palace, with the common feeling among participants afterwards being that this had been great fun.

President Abela said he hoped it would become an annual event.

The run - the first of its nature - raised funds for the Community Chest Fund, which the President heads. Organisers said participation was far in excess of what had been expected.

The event was sponsored by Banif Bank and also benefited from a €10,000 donation from the Good Causes Fund which was presented by the Prime Minister. A donation by the Labour Party was presented by Michelle Muscat.

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