Running to keep healthy

Something strange is happening in Maltese road racing. Strange, but in a good way.

As the runners were registering in the Mdina car park to take part in last Sunday morning's Urban Jungle Mdina-Spinola road race, it became obvious to me that there was a considerable number of runners, from 30 to 40, whom I had never seen before in my life.

Now, since I have probably attended 95 per cent of all the road races in Malta during the last 20 years, and can usually put a name to every face in a race, it is the first time such a thing has ever happened.

Never before have there been so many runners whom I do not know in a race. Maybe, just maybe, a groundswell of local interest in health and fitness has begun.

If correct, this would not necessarily mean that all road races will soon note an upsurge in the number of competitors.

I would not classify all these 'newcomers' as roadrunners... the kind who seek out ever faster PB's, and tough competition.

These individuals, like their counterparts in large road races throughout Europe, are not 'runners' in that 'die-hard' sense, but are simply people who care for their health, perhaps by watching their diet, regularly working out in a gym, but who also run as part of their general fitness routine.

These are the people who apply in their thousands for large-city marathons; usually ecstatic to simply finish, and to whom the finishing time is completely irrelevant.

Such runners might only take part in one event each year (in contrast to the diehard who might race 25-30 times per year).

Their presence last Sunday was hugely welcome. Not to swell the ranks, but as evidence that the concept of running for health may be gaining ground.

This would have a snowball-knock-on effect, they may cajole their siblings, or co-workers to join them and those who are parents and care for their health will act as good examples for their children.

Hopefully I am right and long may it continue. Maintenance of health should be a lifelong pursuit for everyone.

Marathon routes

Since I know that many of you like to run over parts of the marathon route on your long Sunday runs, especially as race day approaches, let me give you a brief explanation of the expected routes for the 2006 races.

As usual, both events start from Mdina and finish in Sliema.

Marathon: The first five-mile loop up to Dingli and back to Mdina is retained, but the route once more passes in front of Savio College and out of Dingli (and not like last year which included an extra loop round behind the college).

From the Roman Villa, down along Mtarfa by-pass as usual and into Ta' Qali from beside the Military Cemetery as last year.

Out of Ta' Qali past Mdina Glass to the Rabat Road and turn left down towards Attard. Back into Attard as last year onto Pitkali Road and down to St Catherine's Hospital and turn left towards Mosta. Turn right to come out on the Birkirkara-Mosta road near Hal Mann, then turn left towards Mosta.

Straight along to the end of Independence Avenue and turn left up to the entrance to Ta' Qali. All the way around Ta' Qali, and once more out past Mdina Glass.

Turn right up to Rabat Road roundabout and down the newly-tarmacked Zebbug Road. All the way down to the Turkish Cemetery, around Marsa and finish in Sliema as in previous editions.

Half Marathon: The opening mile of this race has been changed. No longer do runners head towards St Dominic's Church (and turn right), but turn right much earlier and cut through Rabat and down to meet up with the road leading from the Roman Villa to the roundabout at the start of Mtarfa by-pass.

Along the by-pass, and into Ta' Qali from the Military Cemetery as last year.

Out of Ta' Qali, past Mdina Glass and up to the Rabat Road roundabout and down the Zebbug Road.

All the way down to the Turkish Cemetery and to the finish in Sliema as in previous editions.

Best wishes for the festive season to all runners from the Malta Marathon Organising Committee.