The Armed Forces of Malta Sports Committee held the first sporting event for this summer – a Swim and Run competition. A total of seventy-five Officers and Ranks gathered at the Maritime Squadron Base at the Haywharf early on a breezy morning.

Due to the high turnout and for safety reasons, the competitors were divided in three groups setting off at different times.

The event, building on last year’s success saw competitors swimming across the Msida Creek from Haywarf to The Royal Malta Yacht Club where having slipped on their running shoes and their t-shirt they ran along the coast back to Maritime Squadron. The total distance of the swim and the run was around 3km.

The top three in the Open category all hailed from the Air Wing. Lance Bombardier Barry Farrugia, Gunner Keith Falzon and Gunner Wayne Spiteri all three rescuers, produced all managed to complete the event in under 15 minutes. An excellent time indeed.

The first female athlete to cross the finishing line was Major Ruth Ruggier.

The difference between her time and that of Gunner Jessica Galea was merely 3 seconds and it was only Maj Ruggier’s excellent swim that manages to tip the balance.

Brigadier Martin Xuereb Commander AFM, flying the flag for the over 45s managed the second fastest swim-time overall, emerging from the water only a few seconds behind Gnr Spiteri. He then managed a steady pace in the run something that unbeknown to him secured him a 1st placing in the veterans (Over 40) category.

Photograph by Bdr Farrugia C.

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