In the spirit of festive celebration, the 45th edition of the Mdina 2 Spinola marathon unfolded yesterday, marking a cherished Maltese tradition that takes place annually on the last Sunday before Christmas. This year, the event added an extra layer of excitement as it coincided with the eve of Christmas, creating a festive atmosphere as participants took to the roads for this much-anticipated race.
As the second-largest road race in Malta, trailing only behind the renowned Malta Half Marathon, the Mdina 2 Spinola marathon has seen a remarkable surge in participation in recent years, with the number of enthusiasts swelling to over 1,000. The race has become a symbol of community spirit, health, and the joy of coming together to celebrate the holiday season.
Among the myriad of participants, two individuals stood out as true exemplars of determination and partnership – Miguel Mifsud and Jesper Mathiesen. Jesper, despite facing visual impairment, has defied odds and embraced the challenge of marathons, thanks to the unwavering support of his teammate and guide, Miguel.
The duo dedicates countless hours throughout the year to rigorous training, navigating the complexities of the marathon route and syncing their pace seamlessly. This year’s Mdina 2 Spinola marathon was not their first rodeo, and their remarkable camaraderie was on full display as they triumphantly completed the 17km route in 1:26:57.
Taking to his personal social media, an elated Miguel Mifsud celebrated yet another achievement for the dynamic pair. He expressed the profound honour he feels to train and participate in races with Jesper, acknowledging him as an inspiration not only to himself but to everyone who witnesses their extraordinary journey.
And if that isn’t inspiring enough, Miguel himself is a former drug addict who faced mental health issues that plunged him into depression. However, three years ago, he made a life-altering decision that has resulted in three years of sobriety. Miguel attributes his success to the transformative power of exercise and fitness, which have become his main driving forces. Now, he actively works to inspire others on their journey to recovery.
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