The EC Hellfire Extreme Triathlon

This past Sunday the 26th of August the beautiful Majjistral Park became the playground for some of Malta’s toughest athletes who took on the EC Hellfire Extreme Triathlon. This event, now in its 4th year, attracts the hardiest sports enthusiasts who swim, mountain bike and trail run across some of Malta’s unspoiled natural trails in the sweltering August heat.

The event is widely recognised as Malta’s toughest sporting event due to the environmental conditions, tough terrain and technical course. Around 50 people took part in the full distance, short distance and the team relay event.

Ryan Saliba (Photo attached), a young and upcoming triathlete and trail runner won the men’s full distance whilst national triathlon champion Danica Spiteri Bonello reenforced her dominance in this extreme race by retaining her title once again. Danica is currently living in the UK so her poor acclimatization to the heat made it tough going.

Hellfire Events promote off the beaten track activities that include swimming, mountain biking and trail running, as well as obstacle courses and other extreme activities. One common aspect of all the events is that they aim to promote the personal aspect of “challenging yourself” and pushing your own limits, whatever they are. Earlier this year the Hellfire team organised Malta’s first Ultra Distance 50km trail run around the perimeter of Gozo.

The events are organised by a team that ensure the environment is protected and the participants are safe. Their safety is entrusted to the ERCC team who ensured that the participants were supported in the water, on the bike and on the run throughout.

Winners received some top prizes from Garmin Malta Medcomms who gave out top-of-the-range GPS devices, The Bowline Outdoor Shop specialists in trail running gear, Buff and Isostar. All participants received a lovely Gillette goody bag courtesy of VJ Salomone Marketing.

The organisers would like to thank EC Language Schools, the main sponsors of the event, Radisson Blu Resort for treating all the athletes and volunteers to lunch, Pembroke Athleta for marshaling, Birkirkara St Joseph Triathlon Club, Mgarr and Mellieha Local Councils, Majjistral Park, photographer Sam Rondot and all the volunteers for their support. Participants were encouraged to raise funds for Inspire. Photos of the event can be found on the Hellfire Events Facebook page. More information on www.hellfirevents.com