A Maltese triathlete just organised a race for you and your pup and we’re obsessed!

You might know Fabio Saliba as Jake Vella’s trainer, but now he has possibly come up with one of the cutest and most ingenious ideas for fitness and dog lovers alike.

“I am a long distance triathlete. Running and dogs are two of my passions so I thought of doing something to merge the two together,” Fabio tells Bay.

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3rd OVERALL at Sprint Triathlon Championships and fastest 40 plus year old in Malta ! After my huge disappointment in my last ultra race , where I had to quit on day 2 in my 5 by Ironman race due to severe stomach issues , I decided to race our local Sprint Triathlon Championships . I forgot how painful 1 hr races are but I raced with my heart and mind and gave it all . Although I trained only for ultra races these last 3 years , my speed came natural with only 2 weeks training speed / power . Really happy to share the podium with the young guns . At 45 years of age the old engine is still fast. Dedicate this podium to all the athletes in my team for the team harmony and time we train together !! Kudos to Shaun Galea for breaking the course record , Bernard Sant for 2nd place and Josef Bonavia where we fought hard in the run to get that podium ! Thanks to all my sponsors ! #garmin #goandfun #attrans #unclemattskitchen #wheelwizard #eurosport #YES #milleniumclinic #lawrencesofacleaning

A post shared by Fabio Spiteri (@fabiospiteri) on Sep 22, 2019 at 5:52am PDT

“I do occasionally run trail runs with friends and one of them brings their dog to join us on the run. Some dogs are more efficient in running since their weight is distributed on four legs, so I came up with this idea of organising the first dog race in Malta.”

Fabio has created a race where people can grab their furry friend, and run 5k!

The race will take place on the 8^th of March, at l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha, giving everyone who joins in a gorgeous to race to.

“Not all dogs or owners are fit to run 5k, I know that, but whoever wants to join has the option to jog, walk or run according to what they feel most comfortable doing.”

“The aim is not who gets to the finish line first, but to take on this journey with your furry friend and enjoy every minute of it. So far almost a 100 applied, and there’s a great mix of runners and walkers.”

Fabio is also organising a 1km fun run for kids and their dogs!

The 5km race starts at 9am, and the 1km one starts at 10 am.

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Living with 7 pets Fucker Joe (pug) Bella, Cucu and Bubu (Yorkshire) Tigerman and Mya (persian) Teo (rabbit) #dogs_of_instagram #catsofinstagram #rabbitsofinstagram #pugs #pugsofinstagram #dogs #persiancat #cats #rabbit #miniangora #friends #family

A post shared by Fabio Spiteri (@fabiospiteri) on Dec 2, 2019 at 4:57am PST

And the best part of all? 10% of the profit from the event will be donated to Malta’s dog shelters. Tinned dog food and unwanted clothes (to use as bedding) will also be collected throughout the event.

Volunteers will be there jogging with dogs from shelters, which means, you can meet an adorable pup and give them a forever home.

Water will also be provided at the start, and mid-way through the race.

And even though it’s technically all about the journey, there are prizes for those who get to the finish line first. 1st place gets a €150 voucher from Pet Market and €50 voucher from Burmula, 2nd place gets a €100 voucher from Pet Market and €50 voucher from Burmula, and 3rd place gets a €50 voucher from Pet Market and €50 voucher from Burmula.

Not too bad aye?

Fabio is available to give you the best tips and tricks to train yourself and your dog for the big race! Participating comes at a very low price, just €10 for the 5km race, and €5 for 1 km one.

You can contact [email protected] if you require more information.