5 comments so far.The 2nd Gozo Hellfire Ultra Trail takes place this Saturday
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After its successful debut in 2012 the Hellfire Ultra Trail will once again be taking place on the island of Gozo. In collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, eco-Gozo and Visit-Gozo this Ultramarathon has attracted 28 international competitors to race on the Gozitan trails.
Athletes from across Italy, the UK and Cyprus will participate in the race. Panoramus Sport Italy will represent the largest contingent of the race with over 20 athletes participating.
The ultrarunners and team pairs (run and bike), will start at 8.00am from Nadur and the 21km and 52km Mountain bike runs will start at 11,00am from Gharb and Nadur respectively.
The organisers said that the ultra route is over 50km with checkpoints throughout the route. “The course is a gorgeous circumnavigation of the island which covers cliff edge single tracks, lush valleys and water courses, seaside salt pans, sandy beaches and rocky terrain -in short, experiencing the whole of the mediterranean in one race.”
The course has a total elevation of circa D1,400m with two steep parts. The rest is undulating gradient that will allow you to enjoy the sights and views while covering distance relatively fast. The bikers will need to carry their bikes over some parts that are too awkward to cycle.
The organisers are themselves keen sports enthusiasts and triathletes, the said that “the route is well manned and safe. It is ideal for those starting out or who want to have a fun and fast race.”
The race is taking place this coming Saturday the 6th of April. For more information please see here.
The lady in the photo is clearly running over the highly protected dunes at Ramla Bay trampling on the sand daffodils and thistles, ignoring the ‘keep off’ signs. I have however been assured by Mr. Zammut at MGOZ Eco Gozo that the mountain bikes and runners will not be flattening the dunes at Ramla. I hope that someone from the authorities will be checking on this very ecologically sensitive area during the races.
What bothers me about this is the fact that it states that it is in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority, eco-Gozo and Visit-Gozo. It gives the impression that this is all lovey dovey eco friendly stuff which all right thinking people who love Gozo support, then they publish a photograph of a runner running over the top of what is probably the most sensitive and protected dune on the whole island! Would the organisers care to comment on this?
The picture is for effect and not necessarily accurate, but it does promotes a runner with a back drop of a beautiful beach.
May I suggest that instead of criticising on a regular basis, you get out and support this great event
As usual the ERRC will be in attendance with many young people giving up their free time to be of use to the Gozo community
It may indeed be a great event but do you think it makes sense to advertise it by showing a runner destroying a protected area, all in the name of Eco Gozo? Makes about as much sense as dumping 40 lorry loads of quarry waste on the fossil beds at Dwejra to film an outdoor porn scene for a TV program all with the blessing of MEPA!
Not only us Maltese are GEMGEM !!!