Thursday 28 March 2024

Vodafone employees at the Malta Marathon

Pictured above are  Kurt Camilleri, Jason Pavia, Michael Coney and David Pedrick

 

A group of Vodafone‘s aspiring athletes took the initiative and encouraged each other to step up their fitness routine whilst generating funds for charity by taking part in the Land Rover Malta Marathon.

On a fun-filled Sunday, and with the support and cheering of their colleagues, 10 Vodafone Malta employees took part in the Land Rover Malta Marathon with one member running the full marathon, six running the half and three doing the walkathon.  The employees run the marathon on behalf of Vodafone for Cystic Fibrosis and Inspire.

“Many of our employees run for fun while others run because physical activity is part of their daily life,” said Head of HR at Vodafone Martin Gregory.  “Health and wellness is an important part of our corporate culture and we’re doing our utmost to support it.”

“Running 26.2 miles on my 26th birthday on the 26/2 was a once in a lifetime event!” said full-marathon runner Mark Anthony Sammut.  “It was my day for my big jump from runner to marathoner.  Training was intense as was self-discipline and commitment.  But the joy, pride and satisfaction at the finish-line made it all worthwhile.”

For Kurt Camilleri, Jason Pavia, David Pedrick and Michael Coney it only started off as a friendly competition among friends. “Our training started from last November. We had never jogged more than 10km before, often on a treadmill in the comfort of an indoor gym. In January we organized some long runs – first 15km, then 18km and 20km. Then a couple of weeks before the event we decided to go for a trial run following last year’s half marathon route. As for the day itself, it was truly great to see so many athletes of all ages taking part!”

For Daniela Abela this was her first very long walkathon after doing the 7 km President’s Fun Run for two years. “It was a challenging, painful experience but extremely rewarding!”  Half marathon runner Joe Borg said: “This was my third time doing the half marathon and I managed it in 2:05:13 improving my time by 8 minutes. As always, the experience is fantastic.  Besides the support of our colleagues, who handed out water, oranges and sweets, the marathon attracted a large public who cheered us on and who helped make the atmosphere a fantastic one.”

Sylvana Calleja’s experience is one that gets better and better.  “I’m not an athlete, and I’m not keen on sports either, but I enjoyed every minute of it and it was of great satisfaction doing something for a good cause! Close to the finish line an enthusiastic crowd of co-workers and friends egged me on and I thank them for their support! I will definitely be part of this again next year and I’d recommend the experience anytime.”


 

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