The Shamrock

The official publication of Saint Patrick’s Athletic Club

Issue No. 40 December 2008

If Only I Could Run!

If you’re looking for
motivation to start running,
or are looking for a way to
motivate someone to do so
then look no further than
Cyprian Dalli.

The recently appointed St.

Patrick’s AC secretary met
up with Peter Barbara to
tell him of his success
story.
Today I would like to introduce
you to a runner who has joined
the ever-growing clan at
St.Patrick’s AC.

So what’s new you might ask?

Well, three years ago, Cyprian
Dalli could not go up a flight of
stairs without resting half way let
alone run a half marathon.
When he stepped on the scales
one fine day in August 2004, in
his own words “the reading told
me 170kg – which was the limit
the scales could go anyway…. I
may have weighed a few kilos
more!“

Up to fifteen years of age,

Cyprian used to play football,
basketball, swim and do all the
normal things any teenager
would do; later on, while studying
hard, devouring junk food and
sweets and generally getting
nerves near his spine and also had that he would not be able to play
more lazy, he started to gain
deformation in his knees from with him as he grew older, because
weight, but he kept on eating and
which he still suffers, because of he would be immobile. This
stuffing himself.
his weight. thought spurred him on to try
again.
Months later, health problems
At that time his son was a year old
started to show up. Cyprian recalls
and it started to dawn on Cyprian ► Continued On Page 3
that he suffered a lot from pinched
 THE SHAMROCK
The official publication of St. Patrick’s Athletic Club
Issue No. 40 – December 2008
Editor: Paul Grech
Sub-Editor: Jonathan Balzan
Paul Grech’s Address: St. Helen, Vjal ix-Xarolla, Zurrieq
Telephone: 21 640 871
Editorial Mobile: 7901 4601
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.stpatricksac.info
The Search for Talent
I got talking to Carol Walsh after this year’s Zurrieq Half
Marathon and was quite surprised to learn that she had
Antoine Attard
got into the sport of athletics almost by accident. President

Indeed, when she was young Carol preferred to play Stephen Spiteri
tennis. Then one day she took part in a fun run and Vice President, MAAA Representative &
managed to win despite being faced by girls who were Shamrock Co-ordinator
more experienced then her.
Joe Zerafa
From then on, she remained in the sport and gradually Treasurer
improved until she became Malta’s best female long
distance runner. A position, it has to be said, that she
retains to this very day.
Rose Tabone
Officer Juniors
Yet it is quite a sobering thought that someone of Walsh’s
obvious abilities and who has won so much for Malta Lee Micallef
could have been lost to the sport had it not been a huge Public Relations
dose of luck, that a fantastic career could have been
thwarted if it hadn’t been for that fun run. Peter Barbara
Asst. Sec & Social Events co-ordinator
That, however, is where the good news ends. Because
you have to ask: how many boys and girls with the
Cyprian Dalli
potential for athletics have never tried their hands at it
simply because they never had that slice of luck? How
Secretary
many potential athletes are lost purely because not
enough effort goes into attracting them? Paul Grima
Clubhouse Director
For all the complaining that we hear, there still is no
suitable programme aimed at identifying talent in young Roger Zammit
kids. Unless someone starts touring schools and showing Technical Director
the kids what needs to be done in the hope of finding
some who are good enough, then the development of
talent will remain hit and miss. Any contributions for the next issue of the
Shamrock may be sent to the editor.
It is a sad situation, one that desperately needs to be
addressed. And if you think that is too much for a club that relies on volunteers to exist, then what about other
basics? What about fun runs that only seem to attract a handful of young athletes? Surely more can be done to
make these more attractive, to get young children to run and have fun. It is at such races that you can spot people
and see who is talented enough to develop into something special. Yet even this basic step seems to elude most
people.

The True Face of Determinaton

I have to admit that I’d never heard of Cyprian Dalli before Peter Barbara sent in his story. Yet, in the twenty or so issues since
I’ve been editor of the Shamrock, I don’t think that we’ve featured anything as good as that.

For Cyprian is a true example. Forget the athletes who win races – even though that aspect of running is important as well – it
is people like Cyprian who really move others into actually making the step to take up a sport. That he did it out of sheer
determination to be thinner makes the achievement all the more noteworthy.

In an era that is dominated by fad diets and people wanting to lose weight at the switch of a button, it is
hearthening to see someone like Cyprian who do so, one simple step at a time.

The Shamrock December ‘08 2 www.stpatricksac.info

◄ Continued from Page 1 down his weight to 155kg and was for myself, I would have never
now walking faster and further have believed him had he not
“I tried to go for a walk now and than ever. shown me his “before” and “after”
then, but always gave up after a photos. So if there is anybody out
while, until one day, after Easter His target was simply to walk the there who thinks it is impossible for
Sunday 2005; I made up my mind whole distance and finish, come them to start exercising or even
to go walking daily for a whole what may and finish he did, after 2: running, I would say motivate
week.” 46: 49. Which was no mean feat yourself from Cyprian’s story.
considering that a year before he
He went a step further and made could only cover 3 km in an hour. When asked if he feels better now
his plans public to all his friends that he started running, Cyprian
and family. After the first week he During the year 2006, Cyprian replied “Without a shadow of a
was over the moon to have started to jog and starting from 2 doubt. Now I look at life more
succeeded for a whole week km he gradually moved up to 12 positively, and I feel at peace with
although physically he was km shedding weight all the time myself because I have regained
wrecked, but he persisted and and getting fitter and stronger. my self-esteem. When I am
after three months he tried to run. running my problems seem to fade
Since then he has not looked back away and the day’s stress
“I tried to run for 100 metres and I and has run several races. When I vanishes”
became so breathless I nearly asked him what is his favourite
exploded! If only I could run! I race distance he answered the Cyprian is 33 years of age, has
used to admire people who jogged longer the better as he prefers been married for seven years to
past me and yearned to be like distance to speed, but he likes Rebecca and has two boys, Pavel
them, but it was just a dream at doing 10km races which will make and Janek.
that time “ him become sharper.
He mentions that his wife is behind
In the next months he extended Cyprian’s best time in this year’s his success and without her
the walks from 6km to 8km and edition of the half marathon is support he would not be able to go
then 10km, trying to walk faster 1:54:04 , but he tells me that he out and train, and so is very
each time. That summer Cyprian has never run a half-marathon to appreciative of this fact.
Dalli made a momentous decision; his full capacity owing to some
he decided he would take part in muscle pain or else catching a Since joining St.Patrick’s A C he
the Malta Half Marathon the cold when training for the event. has made a lot of friends and has
following year. He singles out the Dingli 10 Race also done his bit in recruiting new
as a race in a class by itself. faces as his running mate Marvin
He changed his diet and whittled has now become a club member
Cyprian tells too. Even more positive is his
me that right recent involvement with the
now he is in Committee of St.Patricks, which
the 95kg goes on to show that the club
zone. Since accepts help even from new
August ‘recruits’.
2004 he has
lost about Asked about what improvements
75kgs each could be made at Saint Patrick’s
year even A.C he stated :
though the
process is “Possibly, I would like to see more
getting recognition towards athletes who
slower. do not feature as front runners
Luckily, the during a race, but who achieve
man is tall other worthwhile results like
and strong coming back after a bad injury, or
and nobody changing one’s life completely
would guess because of running, thus
how he promoting our motto at St.Patrick’s
looked like that “athletics as a way of life” is a
four years reality.”
ago unless
Cyprian Dalli Before one knew “After all, runners like myself who
Taking up Running him. train regularly with all our
constraints commit ourselves as
Speaking much as the “elite” athletes do.”

The Shamrock December ‘08 3

www.stpatricksac.info
 ERREA GUDJA 8K ROAD RACE 2008
Sunday 5th October 2008

The Shamrock December ‘08 4 www.stpatricksac.info

 ERREA GUDJA 8K ROAD RACE 2008
Sunday 5th October 2008

www.stpatricksac.info The Shamrock December ‘08 5

 Errea Gudja 8 Kms Open Race Results
Pos. Name Sex Club Time Pos. Name Sex Club Time
1 Jonathan Balzan M St. Patrick's A.C. 26:11
2 Drew Lang M St. Patrick's A.C. 27:41 54 Ernest Desira M St. Patrick's A.C. 36:30
3 Jason Martin M Mellieha A.C. 27:44 55 David Demarco M Allcomers 36:32
4 Simon Lia M Zurrieq Wolves 28:34 56 Alfred Briffa M Zurrieq Wolves 36:33
5 Mario Pisani M Athleta Pembroke 28:46 57 Derek Moss M St. Patrick's A.C. 36:45
6 Rodney Cassar M Mellieha A.C. 28:53 58 Wolley Ghiller M St. Patrick's A.C. 36:50
7 Patrick Saliba M St. Patrick's A.C. 29:20 59 Godwin Cutajar M St. Patrick's A.C. 37:01
8 Neil Brimmer M Zurrieq Wolves 29:47 60 Antoine Attard M St. Patrick's A.C. 37:09
9 Jesmond Zammit M Attard A.C. 29:55 61 Cyprian Dalli M St. Patrick's A.C. 37:09
10 Kevin Muscat M Hellboys 30.08 62 Nicholas Vassallo M N/A 37:26
11 Simon Camilleri M St. Patrick's A.C. 30.10 63 Frankie Tabone M N/A 37:30
12 Morgan Brimmer M Mellieha A.C. 30:26 64 Andrew Xuereb M B'Kara St. Joseph 37:36
13 Cyril Valiere M Living Well 31:07 65 Pawlu Brincat M St. Patrick's A.C. 37:45
14 Renato Caruana M St. Patrick's A.C. 31:14 66 Victor Laurenti M St. Patrick's A.C. 38:15
15 Frankie Galea M Mellieha A.C. 31:25 67 Saviour Agius M Attard A.C. 38:34
16 Antoine Szczot M N/A 31:35 68 Angelique Attard F N/A 38:43
17 Stephen Mifsud M St. Patrick's A.C. 31:41 69 Ruben Magro M St. Patrick's A.C. 38:51
18 Savo Ristic` M St. Patrick's A.C. 31:46 70 Adrian Farrugia M N/A 39:35
19 Alex Mifsud M N/A 31:49 71 Lino Said M Attard A.C. 39:39
20 Raymond Scicluna M N/A 31:53 72 Jennifer Farrugia F Ladies Running Club 40:17
21 Sinclair Grima M St. Patrick's A.C. 31:54 73 Monica Piscopo F St. Patrick's A.C. 40:18
22 Jesmond Bezzina M Mellieha A.C. 32:00 74 Paul Grima M St. Patrick's A.C. 40:46
23 Manuel Spiteri M St. Patrick's A.C. 32:01 75 Joe Mallia M Attard A.C. 40:57
24 Joelle Cortis F St. Patrick's A.C. 32:07 76 Joe Cremona M N/A 41:04
25 Carmen Hili F St. Patrick's A.C. 32:13 77 Carmelo Ciantar M N/A 41:07
26 Pierre Pirotta M Mellieha A.C. 32:29 78 Nick Xuereb M Us & Them 41:12
27 Alfred Camilleri M St. Patrick's A.C. 32:37 79 Noel Calleja M N/A 41:37
28 Ivan Padovani M St. Patrick's A.C. 32:49 80 Raffaele Sigona M N/A 41:38
29 Marisa Muscat F St. Patrick's A.C. 32:56 81 Victor Spiteri M St. Patrick's A.C. 41:56
30 Simon Spiteri M St. Patrick's A.C. 32:58 82 Alfred Demarco M St. Patrick's A.C. 42:42
31 Alexander Pulo M Athleta Pembroke 32:59 83 Elizabeth Pisani F Ladies Running Club 42:47
32 Simon Stafrace M St. Patrick's A.C. 33:03 84 Ronnie Borg M N/A 43:25
33 Stephen Spiteri M St. Patrick's A.C. 33:15 85 Ruben Debono M St. Patrick's A.C. 43:55
34 Carmelo Gatt M Us & Them 33:20 86 Mark Sacco M N/A 44:07
35 Jimmy Bonnici M St. Patrick's A.C. 33:21 87 Melvin Pellicano M N/A 44:15
36 Eugenio Farrugia M St. Patrick's A.C. 33:38 88 Peter Barbara M St. Patrick's A.C. 44:17
37 Gino Chetcuti M St. Patrick's A.C. 33:48 89 George Abela M N/A 45:07
38 Josann Attard F Starmax 33:52 90 Tania Chetcuti F Ladies Running Club 45:32
39 Carmelo Farrugia M Zurrieq Wolves 33:58 91 Julie Grech F Athleta Pembroke 45:49
40 Roberta Schembri F Athleta Pembroke 34:01 92 Maria Buttigieg F N/A 46:29
41 Alfred Curmi M St. Patrick's A.C. 34:47 93 Lydia Barbara F St. Patrick's A.C. 46:38
42 Inaki Berroeta M St. Patrick's A.C. 34:52 94 Peter Naudi M N/A 46:51
43 Antoine Zammit M St. Patrick's A.C. 35:07 95 Amy Abdilla F Athleta Pembroke 47:13
44 Gejtu Cauchi M N/A 35:22 96 Alfred Mifsud M N/A 47:42
45 Pauline Vella F St. Patrick's A.C. 35:26 97 Vincent Spiteri M St. Patrick's A.C. 49:35
46 Francis Sant M GREE A.C. 35:26 98 Irene Zahra F N/A 51:00
47 Jonathan Satariano M Mellieha A.C. 35:40 99 Donald Cauchi M St. Patrick's A.C. 52:01
48 Mona Lisa Camilleri F AS Libertas 35:49 100 Charles Micallef M N/A 52:36
49 Michael Camilleri M AS Libertas 35:49 101 Hanna Pace F Athleta Pembroke 53:03
50 Andrea Agius M St. Patrick's A.C. 35:53 102 Denise Buttigieg M Athleta Pembroke 53:04
51 Glenn Mesher M N/A 35:54 103 Rita Ertlmaier F St. VPRC 54:27
52 John Zammit M N/A 36:17 104 Arnold Pickup M Attard A.C. 54:28
53 Charles Abela M Zurrieq Wolves 36:25 105 Paul Fenech M Zurrieq Wolves 1:02:44

The Shamrock December ‘08 6 www.stpatricksac.info

 Having turned back during the Errea Gudja 8K to inform the race director that an
athlete was seriously injured, Pembroke Athleta duo Hannah Pace and Denise
Buttigieg were rewarded with a memento by St. Patrick’s AC during the Pasta Night
held on the 17th October. During the same activity, Carmen Hili was also rewarded
for the sportsmanship shown with Joelle Cortis, also during the Gudja 8K.

www.stpatricksac.info The Shamrock December ‘08 7

Winter Training: Running in Colder Conditions
Although the Maltese climate is rather lenient, there insulates and moves the moisture from your base layer
are still some precautions that one should take. Mario away from your skin.
Pisani discusses what these are in his second article
for the Shamrock. Mario can be contacted on Your winter running wardrobe should include a running
79255076 or [email protected]. jacket, hat or headband, gloves, tights and a few long-
sleeve shirts. Your body temperature increases as you
Maltese runners should consider themselves very run, so you do not need many layers in most winter
fortunate that in Malta we have good weather mostly conditions.
all year round. Our winter conditions are less extreme
than in many other countries. We do noteven imagine Run during light and warmer times of day: If
ourselves running on snow or ice like many other possible, run during daylight hours so you can absorb
running friends in other countries. that needed sunshine of our winter. You will get your
miles in during the warmest time of day and come
Winter running in Malta can sometimes be very back with a smile on your face. Make use of a
unpleasant especially for beginners or less committed sunscreen since our UV index can be dangerous in
running friends who easily tend to be influenced by winter as well. Use petroleum jelly to protect the
missing their training because of strong, cold wind or exposed skin such as your face, hands and other
some falling rain. sensitive areas.

On the other side we find those who are very Be seen: If you run when it is dark outside, wear a
dedicated or even addicted ones that at all costs they reflective vest or flashing lights so that you are seen by
will never miss their training sessions. Now let us look traffic. Wear bright clothing. Run with identification or a
at the positive side of our winter training here on our runner's I.D. in
island. your shoe or
pocket, just in
- We can sleep 1 or 2hours more and go out for our case.
run at a later time during the day.
Good running
- We can wear less bulky winter clothes many times shoes: If you wear
and we can even use our summer running training worn out running
kits since our climate permits. shoes, you risk
that these could
- In many countries winter is used for base training be slippery and
endurance runs because they also find it hard to dangerous in wet
do their speedier sessions since their weather conditions.
conditions do not permit them to do so. In this
case their top athletes have to go and train in other Take extra time
countries. to warm up: Your
body will warm up
- In our case speed training is done without great more slowly in
difficulties during all winter. cold weather,
especially if you
From the negative side of our winter training run in the morning. Take at least five minutes to walk
conditions, since we have a lot of humidity, many times briskly before you start to run. It may take 10 to 15
we feel the bone chilling effect. When it starts raining minutes of running before you are completely warmed
most of our roads are not safe due to excessive water, up and in your running tempo.
pot holes and slippery conditions. Our evening run
outside should ideally be ready before 5pm since it Hydrate: It is just as important to drink fluids in your
gets dark and unsafe, unless you plan to train on the winter runs as it is in the summer. Make sure to
track. hydrate before, during and after your runs to avoid
dehydration. Use warm fluids in your water bottle or
Winter Training: Safety First tuck it under your jacket to avoid freezing.
Here is a list of safety training tips which are
considered very important: Part of the above article is en extract from Coach
Jenny Hadfield for Active.com. Hadfield is the co-
Accessories: Having the right apparel makes all the author of the best-selling Marathoning for Mortals, and
difference in the world. Layering is the key to avoiding the new Running for Mortals and Training for Mortals
over- or under-dressing. Consider wearing a layer that series. Coach Jenny has trained thousands of runners
blocks the wind: pants, tights and top that wick the and walkers with her training plans
moisture away from your skin, and for the coldest
days, a mid-layer that fits more loosely, like fleece, that Enjoy your running and take care!

The Shamrock December ‘08 8 www.stpatricksac.info

 St. Patrick’s Athletics Club
Awards and Bonuses
As approved by the Club Committee

Top Male Athlete Award 2008 – 2009

Top Female Athlete Award 2008 – 2009

Points will be given as follows for the best five results from the list of races below:

o Gudja 8K 1st 10 points

o Zurrieq Half Marathon 2nd 6 points
o MAAA Winter League
3rd 4 points
o MAAA Cross Country Championships
o Malta Half Marathon 4th 3 points
o Malta Full Marathon 5th 2 points
o Dingli 10 6th 1 point
o June National Championships (5K)
o Birzebbugia 10K

The MAAA Winter League is classed as one race. An athlete who requests the release prior to the presentation
will NOT be eligible for this or any other St. Patrick’s AC awards. The committee shall decide on amounts and
descriptions of the awards, which will be presented at the Christmas 2009 reception.

1. Best 5 results for each athlete will count.

2. The MAAA Road Running League is classified as ONE race.
3. Athletes who request a release prior to presentation are NOT eligible
for the Top Athlete Award System.
4. Awards and bonuses will be given at the Christmas 2009 reception.

Track and Field Bonuses 2009

o Aggregate Meeting 1
A bonus of €23 will be awarded to senior athletes for each win, while o Aggregate Meeting 2
€11.65 will be awarded to each member in a team win. This is o Aggregate Meeting 3
applicable to senior athletes (both male and female), and including o Aggregate Meeting 4
juniors participating with the senior athletes. There have to be at least o April International Meeting
three participants / teams in any event for the bonuses to be applicable. o Aggregate Meeting 5
Athletes not wearing the club kit may not be entitled for any bonus. o Joe Bajada Relay Chmps’p
Bonuses are to be presented at the Christmas 2009 reception. o Aggregate Meeting 6
o June National Championships
o Club’s League 1
The events for which the bonuses are to be awarded are listed to the o Club’s League 2
right. o Club’s League 3

Race Participation 2008 – 2009

Starting from the Ladies 6 race (October 2008) up to and including the track and field clubs’ league, points will be
awarded to all St. Patrick’s AC athletes who participate in the races listed on page 12.

Maximum points (refer to table on page 12) will be awarded to the highest placed St. Patrick’s athlete, going down
in even numbers for second, third placed etc. No points will be given to an athlete who does not participate or
finish any race. Athletes will remain in the same category throughout the competition (as at October 2008). To
qualify for a trophy, an athlete must compete in at least five races. Points will be based on each race organiser’s
official results. If no results are issued, no points will be awarded for that particular race. The St. Patrick’s AC
committee shall decide on amounts and descriptions of the awards, which shall be presented at the Christmas
2009 reception.

www.stpatricksac.info The Shamrock December ’08 9

 St. Patrick's AC Race Participation Scheme 2007 - 2008
Pos. NAME CATEGORY UP to Mellieha B'Bugia 10 K TOTAL
1 LEE MICALLEF M35 2562 226 2788
2 CARMEN HILI W35 2534 238 2772
3 WALLY GHILLER M50 2452 212 2664
4 PAUL GRIMA M45 2430 204 2634
5 DREW LANG M40 2342 248 2590
6 JONATHAN BALZAN M35 2472 2472
7 KSHEIM HAITHEM M OPEN 1972 250 2222
8 DAVID JONES M40 2008 200 2208
9 RUBEN DEBONO M45 1962 198 2160
10 RUBEN MAGRO M OPEN 1882 208 2090
11 MARISA MUSCAT W35 1854 232 2086
12 CHARLES DARMANIN M50 2038 2038
13 GINO CHETCUTI M45 1720 228 1948
14 EUGENIO FARRUGIA M45 1940 1940
15 STEPHEN MIFSUD M50 1632 240 1872
16 STEPHEN SPITERI M45 1494 220 1714
17 PETER BARBARA M55 1398 214 1612
18 MARTIN AGIUS M50 1316 236 1552
19 JIMMY BONNICI M40 1398 1398
20 ALFRED DEMARCO M55 1182 206 1388
21 PATRICK SALIBA M OPEN 1360 1360
22 CHARLES ABELA M35 1074 218 1292
23 PAULA VELLA W OPEN 1062 222 1284
24 ANDREA AGIUS M OPEN 1274 1274
25 MICHAEL GELLEL M35 1270 1270
26 SAVO RISTIC M35 1232 1232
27 MICHAEL CALLEJA M55 1188 1188
28 PHILIP CAMILLERI M60 1102 1102
29 DONALD CAUCHI M50 908 194 1102
30 EMILE VASSALLO M35 886 216 1102
31 GISELLE CAMILLERI W OPEN 850 244 1094
32 ANTOINE ATTARD M55 1060 1060
33 SIMON S. CAMILLERI M35 1058 1058
34 SINCLAIR GRIMA M35 806 234 1040
35 JUDE ZAMMIT M40 1038 1038
36 GEORGE VELLA M OPEN 1030 1030
37 KENNETH RYDER M60 1014 1014
38 JOSEPH ZERAFA M50 1006 1006
39 IVAN PADOVANI M45 984 984
40 CARMEL ZAMMIT M50 940 940
41 SIMONE MAGRI W35 928 928
42 RENATO CARUANA M35 926 926
43 CYPRIAN DALLI M OPEN 896 896
44 EMANUEL SPITERI M50 628 242 870
45 VITALE MANTO M60 656 210 866
46 SIMON STAFRACE M OPEN 826 826
47 GODWIN CUTAJAR M50 822 822
48 MARIO P. VELLA M45 822 822
49 KONRAD CIAPPARA M40 758 758
50 INAKI BERROETA M45 738 738
51 DAVID CACHIA 716 716
52 VICTOR SPITERI M65 506 202 708
53 CECIL BORDA M45 662 662
54 ANGELA SAMMUT W40 648 648
55 CARMEL CARUANA M40 620 620
56 HENDRIK D'AMATO M50 620 620
57 EDWIN SPITERI M65 424 196 620
58 MICHAEL GRIMA M OPEN 592 592
59 KATYA CIAPPARA W OPEN 584 584
60 PAWLU BRINCAT M50 566 566
61 LYDIA BARBARA W50 514 514
62 GEORGE ABELA M55 474 474
63 VINCENT SPITERI M60 452 452
64 RUBEN DEGIORGIO M OPEN 418 418
65 CARL MARIO ZAMMIT M OPEN 416 416
66 TONIO PRIVITELLI M45 404 404
67 VICTOR LAURENTI M45 402 402
68 ANTOINE ZAMMIT M45 174 224 398
69 PHILIP CAUCHI M35 390 390
70 DANICA SPITERI W OPEN 382 382
71 MONICA PISCOPO W55 376 376
72 ADRIANA TEDESCO W OPEN 344 344
73 KOSTANTIN ROSHNOV 0 246 246
74 ADRIAN FABRI 242 242
75 MICHAEL ATTARD M45 238 238
76 ALFRED CURMI 0 230 230
77 SIMON SPITERI M OPEN 220 220
78 ERNEST DESIRA M OPEN 206 206
79 JOYCE ZAMMIT 164 164
80 CHARLES MANGION 144 144
81 WAYNE SPITERI 142 142

This is the final table for the participation award for 2007-08.
 Awards to Be Given to Both Boys And Girls
Category Awards
Male Open: First Ten Category Age
Female Open: First Three First Juniors Born 1988, 1989
First Intermediate Born 1990, 1991
Age Categories First Youths Born 1992, 1993
First Male: O/35; O/40; O/45; O/50; O/55; O/60; O/65 First Cadets Born 1994 or after
First Female: O/35; O/40; O/45; O/50; O/55
The races included in the Race Participation competition, with respective points for first placed St. Patrick’s AC
athlete, are:

Race Points
Ladies 10K 200
Gudja 8K 300
MAAA Road Running League (4 or 5 races as per MAAA) 250 each
Malta Running Challenge 250
Zurrieq Half Marathon 200
Birkirkara 5k (December race only) 100
Mdina – Spinola 200
Attard AC 10K (February 2009 Edition) 200
Malta Half & Full Marathon 250 / 300
Dingli 10 300
Pembroke 10K 200
Mellieha 10K 200
Mosta 8K 100
Birzebbugia 10K 300
Clubs League (Track & Field events covering 3 meetings 300

♣ Athletes should note that 2 road races and track events have been added to the list of races. In order to help
the middle and back-of–the–pack runners it was decided that bonus points will be given to athletes as
follows:500 extra points for completing ALL the above races ;
♣ 400 extra points for completing all the above races except 1; 300 extra points for completing all the above
races except 2; 200 extra points for completing all the above races except 3; and 100 extra points for
completing all the above races except 4
St. Patrick’s Athletics Club Race Bonuses
Winter League Winning Team €140
Prizes are to be divided by all participating members of the team, including the reserves. Winter league is to count
as one race.

Road Relay, Cross-Country, Zurrieq Half Marathon, Malta Full & Half Marathons, Challenge Marathons.
Winning Team €80
Prizes are to be divided by all participating members of the team, including the reserves.

Race Bonuses for Individual athletes: Overall Maltese Winner €35

International Events & Course Records: Malta Marathon / Half Marathon, Challenge Marathon, Zurrieq Half
Marathon. First Maltese / resident counts. Overall winner €23. If an athlete breaks a National or a Course record
in the races organised by the club, he/she will be awarded an additional bonus of €23.

All athletes are duty bound to wear the club’s colours in all races and events. It is at the discretion of the
committee not to award bonuses if athletes do not observe this regulation.

Race Bonuses – List of Races

Gudja 8K (October Edition) MAAA Cross Country Championships *
MAAA Winter League* Malta Marathon and Half Marathon*
Zurrieq Half Marathon* Dingli 10
Malta Challenge Marathon* Birzebbuga 10K
Malta Shuttle Road Relay^ * Denotes Teams ^ Denotes Team Race Only

The Shamrock December ’08 12 www.stpatricksac.info

F’Ghajnejn ir-Runner
Issa li t-training rega beda britmu normali, tara
hafna runners filghodu kmieni jew filhgaxija
jitrenjaw ghax l-arja m’ghadiex daqshekk shuna.

Dawk ir-runners li jigru n-naha taz-Zurrieq u l-

vicinanzi, specjalment dawk li jigru n-naha tal-
Karwija meta jkunu qed jitrenjaw ghan-nofs
maratona taz-zurrieq jkunu qeghdin
kontinwament qedin jigru fil-periklu ghaliex din iz-
zona hija ferm perikoluza minhabba t-traffiku.
Ahna r-runners suppost nafu bizzejjed li
hemmhekk m’ghandniex nigru taht il-bankina.

Dan l-ahhar ghamlu l-bankini u t–triq djieqet iktar

milli kienet u giet ferm perikoluza biex tigri taht il-
banikina. Ma nistghx nifhem kif ahna r-runners
nipperikolaw hajjitna b’dan il-mod. U jigravaw
iktar l-affarijet meta jilbsu lbies skur u ma jirriflettix
id-dawl. Jien nahseb li l-ewwel prijorita hija s-
sigurta ta’ l-atleta u mbaghad il-giri u mhux
kontra.

Ahna r-runners ghandna iktar min xofa wahda bl-

incidenti li graw u xorta whadna nibqghu
nabbuzaw. Wisq nibza li kulltant qeghidn naghtu
image hazing lil l-isport taghna Congratulations to St.
Patrick’s AC runner Katya
Mela ejjew inkunu maturi u nghatu ezempju tajjeb
b’ghagir serju u ta’ responsabilta lejn is-sigurta. Ciappara on the birth of baby
Michela.
Paul Grima

Property Development and leasing of Offices and Commercial Premises

Financial, Fiduciary and Trustee Services
Investments, Business Development
International Trading

www.stpatricksac.info The Shamrock December ‘08 13

Why I Run: Eugenio Farrugia
I am a recent member of St.Patricks AC – and am proud of From then on I participated in a number of 10K runs, two
it. Before signing up, for me the club was a one storey half marathons and the Dingli 10, which all together found
building in a playing field just opposite of Bettina Palace, me in April 2007 before the Athleta Pembroke 10K, run in
and some very good runners who regularly cruise past me a very upbeat mood. I had a little dream on that day, which
in their typical full green outfit at every stage of any run I was to be the first Swieqi resident to cross the finishing
was in. So why did I decide to join? line – I thought there should not be too many Swieqi
residents who do 10K runs, at my now 43 minutes
something….. until I
bumped into Victor
Laurenti on the starting
line, whom up to that time
I did not know.

Victor said – ‘So you are

the new runner in the
neighbourhood…I saw
you a few days ago
running up to
Gharghur’……gosh I said
to myself there must be
others from the area!!
Victor continued in his
warm and genial
manner…….’we are out of
luck this year…..last year
I took off with the Swieqi
residents’ trophy…..but
we have Kevin Zammit
Eugenio Farrugia: today to contend
with….and there is also
Second from left Stephen Spiteri......who is
doing very well……let me
introduce you to Stephen’.
Bye bye dream…I tried to
I was introduced to running some 3 years ago – I am now smile in the best manner I could muster in the
46. A colleague from the office invited me for a 20 minute circumstances. Here were two runners who had just but
jog around the Pembroke neighbourhood. He jogged shattered my dream, and to top it all, sporting the livery of
regularly, like a good number of others whose work has the club, which by now I decided I will hate for ever!!
them tied to a desk and a computer for hours on end. I
was quite suspicious of the invitation knowing that I had After the race Victor and Stephen urged me to join them
never sustained a jog for more than 3 minutes – but at the on a long run the following Sunday. On that run I met with
time I had been swimming (and still do) some 2 to 3 Lee Micallef, also of St.Patricks AC – and by now our
kilometers a week at the Tal-Qroqq National Pool. informal coach and mentor, sometimes too competitive for
my liking. I have been on and off with this group for a few
So I took the plunge – not literally of course that happens months now, and during this time I found that the group
only at the pool! I met up with this guy and actually feeling has added another dimension to my running, which
enjoyed my first ever slow 20 minute jog. We continued comes in very handy when motivation dwindles.
doing the jog twice a week. After a few months we parted -
I was getting bored with the 20 minute routine and my Sharing and working for common goals and aspirations
jogging partner could not continue as he had started some whilst allowing and catering for each individual’s
course of studies. For the next few weeks I jogged by capabilities and possibilities is what the group is all about.
myself extending the time to 50 minutes. Chance had it I wanted to continue to be part of this group and what
that I chatted with a sales person visiting the office who better way than to become a member of their club, which
happened to be a runner. He suggested that I try the LRC now I proudly say is my club as well.
Mdina Glass race, just for fun – this was July 2006.
Immediately, this run became my goal. I visited some web Each and every one of us is an ambassador of our club. I
sites, put together a training schedule and bought a good am of the opinion that people perceive our club in the
pair of running shoes. I was actually having fun and found manner they perceive us, mainly through our actions. So
running to be a great and affordable way of keeping fit, let us all be good ambassadors of our club, each and
and also importantly in helping me to regain peace with every one of us in his / her own individual way. I hope that
myself after some over indulgence with food and in this way a larger chunk of the athletic community will
drink…which like most, I like a lot. decide to become part of this reality – St. Patrick’s AC!

The Shamrock December ‘08 14 www.stpatricksac.info

Proud to Be a Saint!
Being my first 18 year threshold. What has
communication with all driven me to athletics was
athletes of the Shamrock definitely the extra weight.
magazine I would like to
thank you all for this year’s I had decided to go for long
tremendous victory of both walks which then ended up in
the men’s and women’s running more than walking. A
leagues. All committee friend of mine, who happens
members, readers and to live in my locality and who
members alike are proud of is not new to this sport, Victor
all our athletes and Laurenti had invited me on
especially of this various occasions to join him,
achievement. Our goals do and his other friend Lee
not end here. We look Micallef on their daily runs.
forward to repeat this year’s
achievements and even go At first I refused but after a
beyond, that is to dominate number of invitations I gave
the local track events and in. I had started running with
who knows win a major them on their daily runs
honour abroad. including the Sunday long
run where I was introduced to
Most of you got to know me other athletes quite known on
this year being new to the the local scene, including the
local athletics scene. I dynamic president of St
started running and Patrick’s Antoine Attard. I
competing at late age in my happened to click well with
carreer. I would like to take Antoine and was dragged to
this opportunity to introduce join the St Patrick’s
myself. My first sport in my committee, and which I am
teenage years was proud to form part of.
waterpolo, a sport which in
no way compares to I would also like to point out
athletics. that my father was a great
athletics coach, who passed
Un-fortunately I retired at a away after the turn of the
very young age and at a millennium, and who had
time when I was performing coached the athletics team of
well and had started playing St Theresa Grammar
first division waterpolo. My schoolbeing a teacher of
first waterpolo love team, Maltese language and
and which today is still at European History at that
heart, is Neptunes. I retired from the game at the age time.
of 20 and at a time when I had just joined the former
Mid-Med Bank, and which I am proud to say is still my I am proud to say that my dad had achieved a number
current employer. The only thing that changed of my of goals including being a winner of the Government
employer is the name and work expectations. school sports day event for at least 10 years in a row
with the Education Minster at that time Miss Agatha
In the interim period that is from the age of 20 to 46 I Barbara handing over the aggregate Sports day trophy
did not practice any sport at all. One might ask what for keeps to the girls of St Theresa School for such an
drove me to this sport? At the age of 45 I had to drag a achievement.
couple of extra kilos I had put over the years. Mind you
in comparison to what I normally eat I was not that fat At the moment, I an looking forward to give my best to
even though one of my daughters had described me this glorious athletic club and to all athletes. To all
as a pig in one of her essays. members I say: be proud of running under our flag and
distinct colours. Hope to win more major honours in
I was about to forget, I am married to Nadia and am the years to come with the dedication of our double
proud to say that I have to lovable daughters one of Road Running qualified coaches Rose and Roger.
them 14 years of age and the other still far to reach the Keep it up St Pat’s.

www.stpatricksac.info The Shamrock December ‘08 15

 Top Athlete Awards 2007 – 2008

Male Award Points Female Award Points

Jonathan Balzan 46 Carmen Hili 50
Haithem Kisheim 42 Giselle Camilleri 30
Drew Lang 22 Marisa Muscat 28

Best Young Athletes

Best Intermediate Simon Spiteri
Best Cadet Charlene Formosa
Best Performance Boys Ernest Desira
Best Performance Girls Gabriella Saliba

15% Discount on Timex Sports Watches & Heart Monitors

A 15% discount being offered to St. Patrick’s AC members from
J.Agius & Bros of 163, Melita Street, Valletta VLT 10 on Timex
Sports Watches and Heart Rate Monitors and the requisite
valid membership card.

The Shamrock December ‘08 16 www.stpatricksac.info

 On the 1st of November, St. Patrick’s AC’s road running teams
were rewarded by the MAAA for their clean sweep in last year’s
Road Running League

For the Latest News & Views

on Maltese athletics visit
www.maltaathletics.blogspot.com

The Shamrock December ‘08 17

www.stpatricksac.info
Roberto Agius: A Rising Star at Saint Patrick’s AC
Roberto Agius is a 13 years old teenager. He is very enthusiastic and an outgoing person. He likes to take part in
any kind of sports like gymnastics and athletics. More than this he practices drama as well.

Roberto was only eight when he used to come to the Marsa sports Athletic Track under the supervision of his
father who is a referee. The first time I saw him, I was so surprised with his performance. He was running the 400m
with the other referees. The day after, while I was coaching my group, he asked me whether I could time him. He
showed interest in joining my group too and in fact the next day we met he was more than pleased to run with us.
Later on I decided to ask his father’s permission to let him join our club. His father liked the idea and he gladly
accepted the opportunity.

Roberto used to come for training on a regular basis then he had to stop for a period of time because of his exams.
He succeeded and he passed from exams with flying colours. Right now he is attending the St Aloysius’ college.

At the moment he is back training on regular basis and in my opinion he is improving a lot. He is very motivated
and consistent and I am looking forward to see him participate in the Road Running League.

I wish what is best for Roberto.

All the best of luck from your coach

Rose Tabone

At the age of eight, I started athletics. I had practised football before. During the period, I used to run with my father
at the Marsa Sports Ground where I met my coach Rose. She encouraged me to join St. Patrick’s A.C. So I
dropped football and focused on athletics.

During these five years, I have taken part in several fun runs and managed to achieve good results. Now, I am
taking part in the MAAA leagues. My aim is to improve my time so one day I will participate in the F.I.S.E.C games
and the Small Nations.

I would like to thank my coach Rose for her determination, patience and good coaching.
Roberto Agius

www.stpatricksac.info
The Shamrock December ‘08 18
 MEMBERSHIP FOR THE YEAR 2009
Members are urged to renew their membership for the year 2009.

Those athletes who want to join St. Patrick’s AC can do so either by contacting
members of the committee or else by downloading a copy of the membership form
from the club’s website www.stpatricksac.info.

All forms and payments are to be sent to the Club Treasurer at

Wintermoor,
69,Karmenu Vassallo Street
l-Iklin IKL 1310

MEMBERSHIP RATES

Juniors €9.00
Adults €18.00
Adult + Junior €25.00

What’s On: Athletics’ Events Sun 1 Mar MALTA

Sat 13 Dec BIRKIRKARA SJ Fri 23 Jan ATHLETICS MARATHON &
5K RUNNING MALTA ROAD HALF-
SERIES RELAY MARATHON
th
4 Leg – Birkirkara Edwin Attard: MMOC
St. Joseph 79252743 or 21423833 or
Euchar Camilleri: eattard@waldonet info@maltamarath
99466256 .net.mt on.com
300 / 250 Points
Sun 21 Dec MDINA SPINOLA Sun 1 Feb ATHLETICS
MMOC MALTA CROSS 7 / 14 / 28 Mar ATHLETICS
21423833 or COUNTRY MALTA
info@maltamarath Edwin Attard: AGGREGATES
on.com 79252743 or Track & Field
200 Points eattard@waldonet Edwin Attard:
.net.mt 79252743 or
Tue 30 Dec PEMBROKE eattard@waldonet
XMAS MEET .net.mt
Track & Field 7 / 14 / 21 Feb ATHLETICS
Victor Camilleri: MALTA PRE-
99255595 SEASON Thu 19 Mar DINGLI 10
Track & Field St. Patrick’s AC
7 Dec / 11 Jan ATHLETICS Edwin Attard: Joe Zerafa:
MALTA ROAD 79252743 or 21410648
RUNNING LGE eattard@waldonet 300 Points
TH
4 Leg .net.mt
Edwin Attard: 2009 dates are still tentative
79252743 or Sun 15 Feb ATTARD AC 10K and as such they should be
eattard@waldonet George Farrugia: confirmed with organisers
.net.mt 79593168 before attendance.
250 Points

www.stpatricksac.info The Shamrock December ’08 19

 CHRISTMAS BUFFET DINNER
AND
ANNUAL AWARDS’ PRESENTATION

Le Meridien Hotel & Spa

Saint Julians

FRIDAY 12 December 2008 at 7:30pm

Adults: €18, Children 12 to 16: €9, Children 5 to 12 years: Free

Free parking within premises

Bookings are to be made with:

Peter Barbara Tel. 21826830; 99239155

Martin Agius Tel.21664708; 99840240

Reservations will only be accepted up to the 5th December for the first 150 applicants.