#90: ITL Takes On The Grid Elite In Classic OCR

Malta’s most renowned obstacle course races (OCRs): The Grid Classic (10 km) was attended by one ITL member.

Gianluca Barbara, ITL coach, joined the men’s elite wave; a first-ever for the club since an official time was now recorded.

The race took place on Saturday 17th May 2025, and was completed in 58:54; a personal best.

This time meant a 23rd place finish overall with an average speed of 10.18 km/h and a pace of 5:54/km. It also meant a 10th-placed finish in the 30-39 years age group.

Race results can be accessed by clicking here.

The Grid Classic featured 20 obstacles spread across Pembroke with some more challenging than others. The ‘Giza’ (a V-shaped net-rope climb), monkey bars, keg carry, weight pull, ring slides and mud baths were all race staples participants were looking forward to.

Following those, there were challenging obstacles like the multi-rig (a versatile climbing structure), wall hurdles, and of course, the wet rope climb that sat right before the finish line.

Eventually, race contestants made their ‘big finish’ by sailing down The Grid’s trademark slide into a pool of cold water.

ITL And Fitness Events

The Grid Classic 2025 became the latest in a series of mixed-fitness events attended by the team.

Last April, eight young ITL Gridders attended the Kids edition of the same event, sailing through the course in fine form. Believe us when we say, it wasn’t a first, either.

Although not taekwondo-related, ITL is a big supporter of mixed fitness and active lifestyles. Since its conception, ITL has attended both Spartan and Tough Mudder OCRs, aside from The Grid itself. It will continue to push its members to attend these events, if not for anything then just for a bit of fun.