Debono and Hadgipolidorou take top honours in annual Rush AC’s Safi 5k

Charlton Debono and Chrystalla Hadgipolidorou claimed victory at the eighth edition of the Eurosport Safi 5K, organised by Rush Athletics Club.

The event drew a strong turnout of over 380 athletes across the main and kids’ races, showcasing its growing popularity and status as a key event on the local running calendar.

In the men’s category, Charlton Debono added another accolade to his extensive palmares with the Evolve Endurance Club athlete crossing the finish line in 15:39, edging out Jean Paul Debono of Żurrieq Wolves, who clocked 16:00.

Isaac Luca Scicluna of Rush AC claimed third place with a time of 16:28, an impressive effort from the 19-year-old, chalking off more than a minute from his timing in last year’s edition of the race.

In the women’s event, Chrystalla Hadgipolidorou took top honours in 18:32. The Cypriot athlete, winner of nine national titles in her home country, completed the 5km race ahead of Pembroke’s Rosalie Borg Cauchi, who finished in 18:48. Isaura Camilleri of Żurrieq with a time of 19:10.

The event also featured a one kilometre race for young athletes between 8 and 15, with two Rush AC athletes, Giacomo Portelli (Under 16) and Martina Scicluna (Under 14) emerging overall winners.

The other category winners included Skye Joe Borg (Under 16 Girls), Jack Herrera Role’ (Under 14 boys), Ben Tanti and Asia Psaila (Under 12), Francesco Grima Portelli and Maria Sultana (Under 10) and Benjamin Massa and Emma Jade Tabone (Under 8).

The event was supported by Eurosport, Frank Salt and Protein Malta.