Running strong. The sisterhood that keeps going.
The Ladies Running Club was set up in 1988 and is still running strong. Photo: Courtesy of the LRC
It was 1988 when a group of seven women decided to do something that many of us take for granted today - run on the road. At the time, seeing anyone running in the street was unusual, and the idea of a woman doing so was almost unheard of. More than three decades later, the club they started is still going strong. We spoke with some of its members, who shared what inspired them to join the Ladies Running Club and what being part of it means to them.
Seven women, one common goal
“I used to go out for a run 'in hiding', due to all the comments from drivers, etc. Our club started a revolution in the men's clubs who, from then on, started accepting female members,” saysChristine Attard, who is turning 70.
She was one of the seven founding members of the club - together with Geraldine Cassar Torreggiani, Violet Rizzo, Josanne Cassar, Anna Galea (Walsh) and Anne Marie Holland. They joined forces and found strength in numbers when they formed the Ladies Running Club, with the motto of Run for Fun.
Christina is the only one of the founding members who is still active - their dear Lina and Anna Galea passed away. But their legacy lives on. Some things may have changed since 1988. What started as women running in their own clothes became a club with gear and sponsors. They were present during key marathons and runs – and were even asked to run with the Queen's Jubilee baton before the start of the Commonwealth Games in June 2002.
As the years rolled on, many things evolved. The club’s newsletter has been replaced by a website… but the heart is the same… a space where women can join forces and encourage each other to stay fit, reach targets, push their limits because – as they say - “a long run is so much easier in company”.
Running together
Today, the Ladies Running Club welcomes women of all ages who want to run to stay fit or train competitively. We spoke to some of the current members who shared how they joined the club, and why they love it.
“Structure, clarity and confidence” - Francesca Montalto
I started running in 2020 when I got inspired by my mother-in-law, and as a way to improve both my physical and mental health. At first, it was something very casual, but over time it became a form of therapy and personal challenge.
Running gave me structure, clarity, and confidence, and eventually pushed me to discover just how capable I really am both mentally and physically. It also introduced me to other things like strength training and Hyrox.
I joined the Ladies Running Club to be part of a community where we motivate and support one another throughout our running journeys. Having that sense of togetherness makes such a big difference, especially on tougher days.
I chose an all-women club because communication flows more naturally, and both runs and social gatherings feel more comfortable. The topics we talk about during runs or meet-ups are often things only women can truly relate to. Running with women also makes the kilometres pass much quicker… we love to talk, and before you know it, the run is over.
“Having that sense of togetherness makes such a big difference, especially on tougher days… Knowing that you’re supported every step of the way makes the whole journey feel much more enjoyable and empowering.”
The club supports us in many ways. When we’re preparing for races, especially those involving long runs, we plan our runs together so we can help each other get through them. If not everyone needs to complete the full distance, we split into groups so each group runs a portion, ensuring no one feels left behind.
There’s also constant encouragement within the community, with pre- and post-race messages that really help keep motivation high. Knowing that you’re supported every step of the way makes the whole journey feel much more enjoyable and empowering.
“A place to make great friends” - Ramona Engerer
I started running in 2002 to lose weight after giving birth to my son. I had the privilege to meet the late Cecilia Degeatano, who encouraged me when I told her I wanted to run a half-marathon.
She had suggested I start with the Mdina–Spinola route and join the Ladies Running Club. Her encouragement played a big part in getting me started.
I joined the club because it felt supportive and welcoming. Running with other women creates a comfortable environment where everyone understands and encourages one another.
Although I don’t always join the club runs, staying connected with the group keeps me motivated and informed. The chats between us ladies are just as important - they allow us to share experiences, support each other, and talk about more than just running. The amount of friends I made over the years, thanks to the LRC, is amazing and I encourage anyone wishing to join to take the first step, as you’re guaranteed to never regret it.
“A fantastic network” - Sarah Gauci Carlton
I started running in 1989, because the trainer at the gym I used to go to bet me that I couldn’t run the International Running Challenge marathon. I thought I’d better do a shorter race before that and entered a five-mile race which started and ended in Balluta.
I started in 1st place and finished 10 minutes behind everyone else. As I came through the finish, the then president of the Ladies Running Club told me that I needed to join a club.
I’ve been a member ever since. Why run with other women? Well, for a start, it’s not only women, as there are a few husbands and partners who run with us.
However, it’s a really nice, supportive group from all walks of life and all age groups. United by a common love of running, with people who know the great runs and the struggle of the hard runs.
Plus it’s a fantastic network… need a lawyer, teacher, nutritionist, doctor, accountant, chef, stylist, manager, secretary, lecturer? All there. Running with the group helps to keep me motivated, is a lot of fun, and turns the grind of very long runs into a shared experience.
“It’s ‘me’ time” - Roberta Zarb Adami
I started running 15 years ago, in 2011, when I was 38 years old. But before, I remember many years ago I was listening to local TV and I believe the person speaking was presenter Violet Chircop. She related that she used to meet up with a group of ladies to run at the university track in the evening. I remember thinking I’d like to be able to run long distances, but never thought I was able to do so. This was the Ladies Running Club.
Many years later, my son came back from school with a flyer to take part in the fun run on the same day as the Malta Marathon. I thought: “no way we can run 1.5K”, and we didn’t take part. Fast forward one year and he came home with another flyer to take part again.
He insisted so much that my son, daughter and I signed up. While my son ran the whole distance with his friends, myself, with the excuse that my younger daughter was getting tired, walk-ran the distance. I felt I was dying during the run. But the feeling after was so great that, with my husband’s encouragement, I kept on increasing the distance.
In 2013, I used to work with Becky who is now our LRC president, and at that time I used to run about 5K, and she convinced me to join the Ladies Running Club. I’ve never looked back and I’ve even given the running bug to my son. I have taken part in a number of 5K, 10K and half marathons in Malta and the Royal Parks half marathon in London. In 2019, I also took part in the Malta Challenge which is a full marathon split up over three consecutive days.
“The club isn’t just a running club, it’s so much more than that - made up of the most amazing group of ladies who aren’t only there to share a good laugh - they were the most amazing support in one of the scariest times of my life.”
And in 2020 I tried trail running and discovered the beauty of Malta through trail runs. So I decided to try some trail races and I took part in the Xterra 21K in Gozo, which really pushes your limits, and the Serpent Trail Run in Petersfield in the UK. Nothing more fun than a race abroad with these ladies. And last April, 10 years after joining the LRC, I finally decided (convinced by another lady) that at least once I should try to run a full marathon - which I did in Paris. Having a good training and nutrition plan, the feeling crossing that finish line… just great. And so much more fun when there are about another ten ladies running in Paris.
The club isn’t just a running club, it’s so much more than that - made up of the most amazing group of ladies who aren’t only there to share a good laugh - they were the most amazing support in one of the scariest times of my life. A decision to start running for fun and fitness has become part of my life, it’s “me” time and my coping mechanism.
“Supported to challenge myself” - Therese Calleja
I have always loved the outdoors. I used to enjoy long hikes, but after my daughter was born, I did not have much time for myself, so I started running to fit more into the time I had available.
When I lived in London, I used to enjoy meeting other runners and chatting through the runs. Back in Malta I wanted to replicate the experience - I did not want to find a group that prioritised competition but rather one that felt more like a community and, after asking around, I heard about the Ladies Running Club. Everyone was really friendly and I found lots of common interests with the others.
Whenever I decide to participate in a race, I receive lots of encouragement on race day - and when you manage to achieve your goals, the ladies always make it feel like it all matters. This - on top of the companionship that you get whilst training. The support I have received has made me want to challenge myself as much as possible and believe that I can do better.
“Encouragement and positive vibes” - Noelle Micallef
I started running in 2017 as I was used to dancing almost every day. But when I moved to the UK for a year to study and didn’t have access to dance classes, I needed another way to de-stress - so I took up running instead.
As soon as I was coming back to Malta, I knew I needed some kind of motivation to continue running and I was looking for a group which was all about community and encouragement – without the stress of competition or races. My research led me to the Ladies Running Club.
After my first run, I knew I had found a group of amazing ladies who love to chat, run and coffee – and I fit right in, even if I was a bit younger. A moment which really stood out for me was when I was going through a tough time in my life, and the ladies all managed to fit in some time in their busy schedules for a call just to put a smile on my face. I will forever cherish the encouragement and positive vibes that I found through the ladies during this time of my life.
Fast forward nearly 10 years, I got married and had two children but running remains my source of de-stress and a way to keep healthy and sane. Most days I run in the early mornings even if it’s just a couple of days a week as otherwise work, house chores, or other commitments get in the way and I won’t manage to get my run in.
It’s not always easy – both my daughters are light sleepers and most nights are interrupted, but with the support of my husband (who usually has to wake up at the same early hour as me to put the baby back to sleep in my absence), I have managed to keep running pre and post-partum.
“Most days I run in the early mornings even if it’s just a couple of days a week as otherwise work, house chores, or other commitments get in the way and I won’t manage to get my run in.”
Now I don’t always manage to run with the group every week. However, we communicate a lot through our chats and they always manage to give me the right pick-me-up when I need it. I can always count on them for advice and suggestions and I have found a great group of friends for life.
I have also been the club treasurer since 2019 and, every year, I form part of the LRC race’s organisation – this role is one I take seriously and voluntarily but it gives me a lot of satisfaction in knowing that I am giving something back to a club which gave me so much.
Find out more about the Ladies Running Club by visiting their website or Facebook page.
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