Photo Credit: Gordon Barbara Photography
A record number, exceeding two hundred participants took part in the first race of the BSJ Eurosport 5k Road Running Series. The popular Mtarfa route has been increasingly attracting the crowds wanting a late afternoon race during the week.
Photo Credit: emvigee pr & marketing / Maria Vella-Galea
At the sound of the gun, it was Jesrit Camilleri who took the lead with Pedro Lopez and Simon Spiteri hot on his heels. This placing was kept for nearly the first lap, however he was slowly overtaken by Lopez who together with Simon Spiteri were fighting for the top placings.
Photo Credit: Gordon Barbara Photography
Lopez showed a calm and collected approach to the race, keeping a steady pace to win the 5k course in a time of 16 minutes 11 seconds. Not far off behind him was Simon Spiteri who clocked in 16 minutes 30 seconds whilst Darran Agius crossed the finish line two seconds behind Spiteri.
The Females’ category was won by Tara Abdilla, who was a permanent fixture on last year’s Series podium. Abdilla took the lead from the very start and kept it throughout. Similar to the men’s race, Abdilla set the pace to clock a finish time of 18 minutes 14 seconds. Margaret Seguna came in second place with just one second to spare over third placed Celine Pace.
Photo Credit: emvigee pr & marketing / Maria Vella-Galea
“The popularity of the race has increased over the years. Notwithstanding the hot temperatures, athletes enjoy the course which gives them a taste of hills, flat surface and downhills throughout “ said Euchar Camilleri, Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club, Secretary General “ Our thanks go to Transport Malta, Malta Police Force, Mtarfa Local Council and of course the volunteers and marshalls that provide assistance on the day”.
Medals were presented to the finishers and trophies were given to the top three Males and Females.
The next race of the three part series will take place on Tuesday 16th July at 7:00pm. Registrations can be done online via www.bkarastjoseph.com or on the day, until an hour before the start of the race.
