SPORT
On the run TRAIL RUNNER, OBSTACLE COURSE RACER AND THE GRID WINNER RYAN FARRUGIA SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE OF THIS SPORT, WHICH IS STILL RELATIVELY NEW TO MALTA.
PHOTOS: NOELLA AGIUS
What is trail running and obstacle racing? Trail running is the simplest and most natural way of moving
want to spend, depending on your determination to improve. Running is a simple exercise. The more you practice, the easier it
forward on uneven terrain, at times mountainous. On the other
becomes. Same with running up hills or on technical terrain. Having
hand, OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) is a pre-defined race with a
a strong core will definitely aid in your balance and keep you a step
myriad of natural and man-made obstacles along the way.
away from injury.
How did you get interested in the sport? From a young age, I always felt a desire to explore the outdoors. My wanderlust took me to various places but I got
You are currently getting ready for The Grid Sprint, which you won last June 2017. How do you describe the experience? Being the first to cross the finish line is always exhilarating,
intrigued by trail running while I was living in Chamonix, France –
especially when you are competitive. However, winning is when you
the world capital of trail running. I used to spend hours on end
exceed your expectations; that moment you surpass your limits.
trekking and climbing the nearby peaks – until I saw with my own eyes people running the trails I used to walk on. I was instantly hooked – how can these people run where I am struggling to walk? If they can – I can; I got my first pair of trail shoes and never looked back.
Are there many such competitions organised in Malta and would you say the sport is popular locally? The Grid is a definite pioneer in local OCR, thanks to its witty organisers who created a highly popular event. OCR is a relatively new discipline, with a handful of local athletes participating also in
What is the biggest challenge in this sport? Being Maltese, the biggest challenge is to have to travel in
international events. Trail running competitions are more numerous, with an annual
order to participate in races. Malta is tiny and extremely limited -
4-race Trail League along with a handful of other races. The Gozo
the lack of mountains to train on and the lack of trail and OCR races
Ultra 50km has also become a key event on the local trail calendar.
keep the sport restricted from growing. Until a few years ago, buying equipment locally was also challenging – however nowadays shops like Teamsport are investing in trail running and OCR brands.
Do you need any particular equipment for this? For the average runner, not really. All you need for your trail run is a pair of running / trail shoes. My brand of choice is Inov8.
And the biggest satisfaction? Satisfaction comes after every single run; the time spent exercising in nature leaves in you a deep feeling of fulfillment.
For those willing to participate in races, longer trails runs (15km and above) are usually self- sufficient, which means you must carry enough water and food and a fully charged phone in case of emergency. Participants for races in mountainous environment are
What kind of training does it require and how often?
obliged to carry further material; water poof overalls, head and
As in all sports, this is subjective. Everyone has different
hands warmers, survival blanket and whistle to name a few. Again,
ambitions and goals. You decide how much time and effort you
Inov8 has all the necessary equipment any trail runner requires.
OCTOBER 2017 ∫ Sunday Circle 49