For the third year running, the traditional 'Round the Bastions' November encounter was again staged in the quiet surroundings of Fort Ricasoli at Kalkara.

With some established athletes concentrating on the Zurrieq Half-Marathon, it was left to those preferring shorter distances to become the chief protagonists for this 4.7km long race.

Fabio Spiteri, Gerald Grech and Michael Gellel started strong enough to put in the early challenge. Junior Mark Herrera, tri-athlete David Galea, Mario Pisani, and George and Mario Vella also joined the front-runners.

However, past the half-way mark there remained no doubt who the winner would be as Grech shot ahead to finish in 14.08, claiming another first for his club Libertas, this year sporting some of the finest long distance runners in its ranks.

St Patrick's AC, who also have a formidable squad, had Gellel finishing second, followed by the ever-improving Pisani who grabbed third spot for Pembroke Athleta Kyocera.

Fourth, and first junior runner in, was Herrera in 14.32. This was a new course record for the promising Pembroke runner in his category.

The Ladies Open was won by Charmaine Sciberras, of St Patrick's, in a time of 16.01.

Honours in the Intermediate categories were claimed by Nathan Vella, De La Salle, and Joelle Cortis, of Pembroke.

MAAA calendar meeting

The MAAA will be holding its annual calendar meeting, covering all athletic events during 2003/2004, on November 29, at the offices in Marsa, starting at 6.30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the MAAA, its clubs and other organisers to plan and promote their programmes well in advance.

The calendar will not only ensure that event dates do not clash, but it should also help coaches and athletes to plan their training schedules.

The MAAA will not be in a position to sanction meetings, nor afford any assistance whatsoever to any club or organisation that unilaterally, or without having participated at the calendar meeting, promotes any athletic manifestation that is not scheduled.

Competition organisers and bodies are asked to state their requests in advance by fax to the MAAA secretary on 21-423833, or maaa@global.net.mt.

Birkirkara road race

Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club, in collaboration with the Birkirkara Local Council and under the auspices of the MAAA, will hold their annual 5K road race on December 13. The race will be sponsored by Teamsport.

Trophies will be awarded to male and female winners in all categories, namely seniors, juniors, intermediates, youths and veterans. A fund of Lm100 in cash prizes will be distributed among the first three runners home.

One may obtain more details by phoning Birkirkara SJ on 21-444226 or the Local Council on 21-442626.