It's not often that news of 23 degree heat causes frowns upon Brits' faces (especially after the horrendous winter we've had here in good ol' Blighty) but, to a runner, this generally induces a grumble or two.

Ideal running temp is 13 degrees so all 25 Teamlink Sports Tours runners were under no illusions that the Malta Marathon & Half Marathon would be a tough slog. Still, at least the travelling supporters, including Joe and Abi from The Family Holiday Association charity, were able to catch a few rays as they cheered everyone home at the waterfront in the island's tourist town of Sliema.

With a healthy representation in both distance disciplines, all runners posed for pre race snaps prior to the gun going off. Relaxed, confident smiles appeared on everyone's faces as they broke through the starting tape and made their way to sea level from the historic town of Mdina.

With a confident World Challenge team threatening to win the much contested fundraising / time trial prize, Teamlink staff started strongly to ensure they returned home with bragging rights. Not only did the pride levels of Teamlink staff take a well deserved stroking, Sarah Lake, Natalie Lebeter and Mark Gardner took first position in each of the Family Holiday Association categories for the fastest athlete amongst all TUI Travel PLC runners. The prize; entry into the TUI Palma Marathon in October!

All Teamlink runners obtained Personal Best times and the fundraising target figure of £2400 came even closer following the payout from time-incentive pledges from friends and associates of Teamlink managing director, Mark Gardner. Taking 11 minutes off his previous best time of 3h.05 saw Mark cross the line in 2h.54 and thus benefit from a windfall from those that betted against him breaking through the sub three hour barrier.

A delighted Mark was clearly happy to achieved this milestone, stating that "after 5 years of battling for this time, taking me around the world in over 23 marathons, it's finally happened - and feels fantastic. The extra cash incentives will go to a wonderful cause and we look forward to hearing the good news stories from The Family Holiday Association's good work. It's a proud day for me seeing the Teamlink team here in Malta organising a great event and then donning their trainers to perform so well."

Of course, a HUGE thank you goes out to everyone that has supported the Teamlink Team in their fundraising efforts up to now...

Grizz & Steph, Glyn Davys, Lucie and James Harvey, Jarlath, Ian, Dave and Sophie, Max Paragon, David Harvey, Aisling Edwards, Rose Tanner, Mark Connolly, All at O Heap & Son Fire Protection, Gemma Newbery, Kris Smith, Karey Smith, Rachel Redsell, Angela Sinclair, Sylvia Cuthbert, Naomi Benham, Anthony Sargent, Anna Lloyd, Anne-Marie Duchet, Stewart, Suzanne & Phoebe Needham, Clare Spitzer, Chrissie Wickson, Andy Trowbridge, Ann Wright, Ian Finlay, Chrissy Siczowa, Lisa Vine, Tony Luke, Laura Braithwaite, Jaime & Lex, Chris Hall, Adam Nelson, Amelie Edgar, George E Cooper, Richard Wright, Hannah Donald, Chav and Wheeler, Mand, Andrew Morris, Bridget & Mick, Mum & Enso, Sally Frost, Michael Griffiths, Out, from "In, In, Out", Dave Dingle, John Bridgens, The 3 KINGS, Chris Lewis, Samantha Hornby, Sami Blomberg, David Hall, Sion Preece, Janie Burt, Nathan Solum, Ben Mounsey, Ash, Gareth Sneade, Michael Pitman, Neil Rayer, Joe Lynch, Sam Seward, Yann Besrest-Butler, Martyn Shapter, Scott Tovey, Rod Muir, Hayley Shields, Nick Fearon, Gordon Mathie, John Wimbleton, Edwin Doran, Georgina Morgan, Lisa Lilley, Sarah Raine, Tim Flower, Vicky Knight, Cathi Farrer, Debbie Clarke, Liz Lomas, Heather Carmichael, Alan Warriner, Liz Thornton, Andrew Loughlin, Thomas Hogarth, Andew Henry, Janine Feeney, Rebecca Smith, Helen Key, Helen, Tom & Poppy Harvey, Michael Hall, Laura Busby, Nick Jobe, Gareth Maplethorpe, Claire Brudenell, Victoria Hornby, Andrea Dawson, Marian Hopkinson, Jane Salinger, Kate Harness, Daniel Bell , Jo Bramhall, Beverley Harness, Caroline Norton, Jack Briggs, Amy Grainger-Matthews, Paul Booth, Sarah Mackie, Leigh Hardy, Rachel Harrison, Becky Lake, Grandma Thompson, Tara Oxley Jen Milner Christine Decamps Lizzie Fisher Stephen Lake, Sharon Lake, Jessica Gallagher, Estelle and Annabel Cuthbert, Frank Jackson, Remy Cresswell, Nicola Jackson, Joe Leighton, Heidi Barlow, Gemma Lancaster, Charlotte Rudd, Claire Dean, Scott Maplethorpe, Lisa Leighton, Megan Grantham, James Perry, Nicole Bond, Mark Bull, JOANNIE, Glenn McCormack, Tracey Rowe, Eleanor Pratley, Vicky Donovan, Julie Jackson, Tom Braisby, Julie Lebeter, Sarah Jackson, Donna Bishop, Daneen, Jill Braisby, Emily Braisby, Jane Lebeter, Becci Carter, James Maplethorpe, Mark Gardner

We couldn’t have done it without you all, and as a final reminder for anyone that still wishes to donate to our cause you have just a few days left to sponsor us at www.justgiving.com/teamlinksportstours

If you're interested in joining Teamlink at next year's Malta Marathon & Half Marathon then Contact Us to register your interest today.

Submitted: 10th March 2010