Kevin Higgins braved the Maltese heat to celebrate his 500th milestone run...plus hot pace for Stuart in Spain

Kevin Higgins (*pictured right) braved the Maltese heat to celebrate his 500th milestone run...

Report by Don Hale. 

donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026

 

Two veteran North Wales Road Runners swapped their winter thermals for lightweight vests last weekend as they competed in different road races in warmer climates in Malta and Spain.

Kevin Higgins celebrated his 500th race for the club in the Sliema half-marathon on Sunday after battling with the heat, which unfortunately slowed his finishing time, but he was still pleased to record a memorable milestone.

After the race he confirmed: “I have been road running for the club for the past 35-years, and I finally hit my milestone of 500 races in Malta. It was quite hot, but overall, I was happy with my time of 2 hours,15 minutes and 31 seconds. 

“I have participated in so many running challenges over the years, and my personal success is with winning some club championships and age categories, and by collecting and achieving so many momentous moments along the way.”

*Lucy and Stuart Culverhouse (*above) at the Alicante half marathon and 10k races.

Meanwhile, Kevin’s club colleague Stuart Culverhouse took part in Spain’s Alicante half-marathon during a short half-term holiday break. He too had to cope with the heat and a large field of elite and competitive athletes from all over Europe.

Following his event, Stuart said: “A great way to spend the last day of a short holiday in Alicante. Really hard to get going in the early miles with so much congestion in such a large field! I soon accepted that I wasn't going to get anywhere near a time I wanted, so I aimed for a sub 1 hour 40 minutes, but I think I failed with that! I loved it though, and it was made extra special with my wife Lucy running in the associated 10k race.”