The Intersport 10k and 5k Series saw the first race of the year hosted in the Three Cities, where 300 athletes took part, with the shorter distance proving to be equally popular.
The sold-out event started off in Birgu and took a route along the seafront into the neighbouring Cospicua and Senglea waterfronts. The wet and slippery conditions in various parts of the race saw many athletes taking a cautious approach to avoid injury mainly from those vying to be part of Team Malta in the forthcoming Games of the Small States of Europe, nevertheless, the race still provided some thrilling action, particularly as athletes edged towards the finish line.
There was no surprise in the 5km race as Dillon Cassar took the lead and kept in front of the pack to win the race in 15:35. Behind him a duel ensued between Kurt Dalli and Mark Herrera who both sprinted head to head in the last metres before the finish line.
Dalli pipped Herrera to second place with milliseconds separating the two.
The female category was won by Joelle Cortis. Cortis took a comfortable lead to finish the 5km course in 17:48. Finishing in second place was Marija Cumbo, who was followed by Rosalie Borg Cauchi who completed the females’ podium in third place.
In the 10K race, Aaron Mifsud, a seasoned runner marked his debut on this course by proving he was the man to beat taking the lead from the very start.
He finished the race in 32:57. A similar situation to that of the 5km race ensued when Marko Bezzina and Ian Camilleri gave a determined push at the finish line, both aiming for second place.
In the end, it was Bezzina who edged past Camilleri to take second and third place respectively.
Josanne Attard Pulis won the female category in 38:59, she was the sixth overall athlete to finish the 10km race. Joining her on the podium were second-placed Vanessa Camilleri and third-placed Christiana Borg.
Trophies and prizes to the overall and age group winners were presented immediately after the race by Race Director Charlie Demanuele.
The next race of the Intersport 10k Series will take place on April 23 in Maqluba.
In a statement, the organisers expressed their gratitude towards the Local Councils of Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa, Transport Malta and the District Police and Intersport for their support and assistance for this event.
Age Group Winners
5km
30-34 Richard Grioli (17:58); Gabriella Mangion (21:26)
35-39 Jurgen Gatt (17:46); Charyl Fava (19:27)
40-44 Mario Grech (17:53); Danny Abela (21:50)
45-49 Ryan Scerri (18:46); Natasha Cefai (22:40)
50-54 Kevin Muscat (19:33); Michelle Spiteri (29:21)
55-59 Philip Zammit (23:10); Anna Guiga (28:19)
60-59 Anthony Seguan (21:16); Jenny Mizzi (30:26)
65-69 Wally Giller (25:33) –
10km
30-34 Andrew Abela (40:00); Gabriella Debono (50:43)
35-39 Christopher Buhagiar (37:19); Rebecca Galea (46:56)
40-44 Steve Pace (39:13); Josianne Farrugia (50:44)
45-49 Evan Chetcuti (41:28); Louise Micallef (49:31)
50-54 Mario Agius (40:37); Rosita Cassar (47:41)
55-59 Charles Camilleri (44:19)
60-59 Carmel Grima (47:07)
65-69 Godwin Tonna (51:57) 70+ Nicholas Vassallo (59:32)
