Bad weather hits races in Gozo

The San Michel Road Running League 2002/2003 took off in typical wintry weather on October 12, when a number of athletes braved the high seas and the intermittent rain for the starter, organised in Gozo by the Malta Amateur Athletic Association.

Due to the inclement weather, changes to the schedule of ferry crossings were effected with the result that quite a number of would-be participants were left stranded at Cirkewwa and missed the race altogether.

This was the first of four road races with the best three times valid for the final classification. The route adopted for this year's event was modified to cover 10km, but it retained the greater part of the traditional course.

The fastest time was that of 34.12 minutes by the St Patrick's runner Drew Lang. He was followed in by Peter Azzopardi, this year sporting the Libertas colours, on 34.21 and Vince Ghio, for Zurrieq Wolves, 18 seconds later.

The next two runners to finish were also mixed fare, Mario Pisani for Pembroke Athleta Kyocera and Anthony Cucciardi for La Salle Tristan.

Chairmaine Sciberras finished immediately behind Cucciardi, clocking 37.40, making it a double for St Patrick's. British guest Loretta Sollars was second and Cecilia Fenech (St Patrick's) third.

Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, distributed the special prizes to members of the Gozo Association taking part, giving weigh to the MAAA custom that is meant to encourage and increase the love of the sport on the sister island.

Shawn Agius, Dominic Cutajar and Carmel Camilleri were the winners in the male open. Marita Farrugia won the cup as the first lady from Gozo. Ray Agius, in the veteran category, was the other Gozitan winner.

Cups and commemorative medals were also distributed to the earlier winners in the 3km event. Keith Tabone, followed by Gilbert Spiteri were the first two in the intermediate category. Petra Paula Zammit was the winner in the corresponding category for girls. In the youth sector Kurt Scerri not only managed to claim first place, he was also the first lad from Gozo in 11.34. Melinda Micallef triumphed in the girls' category, with Modianne Agius taking the cup as the first Gozitan girl.

The focus will now shift to the second encounter in this league and the first out of six for the lower categories, scheduled to take place at Ghajn Tuffieha this afternoon.

The event, which will follow established distances and routes, is expected to attract over 400 athletes in all. Last year's encouraging results are expected to see an increase in participation in the younger categories.

De La Salle, St Aloysius, Savio College, St Martin's and San Andrea school are all likely to field strong contingents.

Races start and finish at the Riviera Martinique car park. All the routes will be well marshalled and the traffic police and St John's Ambulance brigade will again be in attendance to ensure the safety and order desired.