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10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 8 MAY 2026 SPORTS MeDirect sponsors Spartacus TriSports event in Gozo OTTERS Aquatic Sports Club, the organisers and promoters of Spartacus Gozo have an- nounced that MeDirect have become the Official Banking Partner of the inaugural Spart- acus Triple Sports Event taking place on 7 June 2026, in Marsal- forn, Gozo. Spartacus was created and is being run by Otters ASC to deliver a new set of dynamic events that together further en- hance the Otters Management strategy of delivering and build- ing inclusivity across all sports and capabilities in the Gozo and Malta communities, and be- yond. Spartacus offers competitors new locations for contender categories and courses in which to test their endurance sports performance limits across disci- plines of Hybrid Steel, Running and Open Water Sea Swim- ming. Entries are already under- way and are invited across the athletic and swimming spec- trums from Pro-Athletes, Semi- Pro, and Amateur. The organ- isers, reflecting their grassroots expertise in sports have also opened friendly competition opportunities for Beginners to get a taste of sport in the Glad- iator's Arena or organised Run- ning or Open Water Courses. MeDirect has chosen to spon- sor Spartacus Gozo because the event format and its compet- itors align perfectly with the Bank's core values and objec- tives of giving people autonomy and confidence to pursue per- sonal growth both financially and in life. Larissa Ciantar, Head of Per- sonal Banking explained the Bank's reasoning for sponsoring Spartacus: "As a Maltese bank, MeDirect is challenging the sta- tus quo, offering access to daily and business banking and an un- rivalled selection of investment products. Through our digital and physical network, we have set ourselves tough objectives to offer the fastest and best service possible. Equally, the Spartacus Organising Committee and the many competitors attracted to compete at Spartacus on land or sea, are setting themselves tough standards. This shared commitment to excellence and innovation forms the founda- tion of this collaboration." Club Manager at Otters ASC and Event Director at Sparta- cus Gozo, Mark Camilleri said, "Spartacus is the realisation of a dream come true for Otters ASC as we strive to expand the sporting services that we offer to our communities in Gozo, in Malta and beyond to the in- ternational visitors and tourists whom we attract to the Islands. Otters are well known and re- spected for our Championship winning expertise in the pool and in the Mediterranean Sea with Waterpolo and Swimming. With Spartacus we are rising up from the water onto the land to deliver new Running Challeng- es and our new Hybrid Steel Competitive format for En- durance Athletes who want to come to Marsalforn in Gozo to perform and compete outdoors and win glory alongside the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Spartacus marks the beginning of a new era for sports in Gozo, in Malta, and beyond interna- tionally. We are really excited to be welcoming so many com- petitors to Marsalforn to enjoy our stunning blue water Bay, coastal racing routes, and all the Island has to offer to competi- tors, their partners, their fami- lies and friends." Spartacus Elite Athletes and MeDirect representatives meet at the Sports Pavilion in Gozo. MeDirect Bank is represented by Larissa Ciantar Head of Personal Banking MeDirect, Amanda Dimech Lead Wealth Manager MeDirect in Gozo, Jessica Muscat Senior Wealth Officer MeDirect in Gozo; Otters Athletic Sports Club and Spartacus Gozo are represented by Matthew Xuereb Spartacus Running Director, Michela Saliba Spartacus Swimming Director, John Henry Meilak Spartacus Hybrid Steel Director Il-Girja t'Ghawdex - 51st edition THE 2026 edition of "Il-Ġirja t'Għawdex" has marked a histor- ic milestone, attracting a record 1,750 athletes from 57 countries, confirming its status as one of Malta's premier international running events. Race highlights: This edition delivered out- standing performances across all race categories. The following are the results across our differ- ent races: • Half Marathon Winners (2026): • Charlton Debono – 1:16:30 • Karen Vella – 1:35:56 10K Winners (2026): • Joseph Borg – 35:53 • Maria Buttigieg – 46:17 5K Winners (2026): • Bruno Salido Jove - 16:20 • Felicienne Mercieca - 20:20 Celebrating 51 editions Since its inception in 1977, Run Gozo's "Il-Ġirja t'Għawdex" has evolved from a local race into an internationally recognised, AIMS-certified event. Known for its demanding course, the race takes participants through Gozo's unique landscape, com- bining athletic challenge with scenic beauty. Community and organisation The success of the event con- tinues to rely on the unwaver- ing dedication and generosity of our volunteers, whose efforts form the backbone of "Il-Ġirja t'Għawdex". Once again, the race was en- tirely organised by Run Gozo, a committed volunteer group op- erating from the Xagħra Youth Centre. Through their careful planning, teamwork, and tireless work both in the lead-up to the event and on race day itself, they ensured the seamless coordina- tion of every aspect of the race, from registration and logistics to safety measures and continuous support for all participating ath- letes. The residents of Xagħra and the wider Gozitan community once again proved instrumen- tal to the success of the event, extending warm hospitality and wholehearted support to all par- ticipants and visitors. Their cooperation, patience, and enthusiasm helped create a welcoming environment, ensur- ing that athletes not only expe- rienced a well-organised race, but also the unique charm and vibrant community spirit that Il-Ġirja t'Għawdex is known for. The residents of Xaghra and the wider Gozitan community once again proved instrumental to the success of the event, extending warm hospitality and wholehearted support to all participants and visitors