Buhagiar wins final long distance race of the year

Just as thousands were getting ready for another round of Christmas shopping, over 140 athletes set off for the final long distance event of the year.

Once again, the Mdina-Spinola 10.3 mile run proved to be exceptionally popular with local athletes who, despite the early 8 o'clock start, still turned up and were rewarded with a beautiful, sunny morning that greatly contrasted with the weather of the previous two days.

Unfortunately, the presence of a heavy wind made fast times virtually impossible. Nor were there any surprises among the winners as, yet again, John Buhagiar and Carol Galea finished first to end the year in celebratory fashion.

Buhagiar has certainly done very well over the past few months. On Sunday, he finished the race in 56.45, two minutes ahead of his closest rival.

"Today's time is very similar to last year's," he said. "I was alone in front for practically the whole race after opening a gap in the second mile. The heavy wind obviously affects your run but overall I'm very satisfied."

And the Birkirkara SJ athlete has every reason to be, especially given recent results. For him, the only blot on the 2003 copybook remains the GSSE.

"The Small Nations was a big disappointment as I expected to do better. I was very excited before the race and that didn't help. Still, it has been a good year. I've done very well in road races and practically I've won every one where I took part."

As for the future, the focus is February with Buhagiar admitting that "it'll either be the half or the full marathon. I haven't decided as yet and will be talking it over with my coach."

Those who are expecting Galea (Athleta Pembroke) to loosen her grip on local long distance events look to be in for a long wait.

She ran across the finishing line in Spinola in 1.04.08, well clear of the second-placed female athlete. "In this race a lot depends on the wind and today it was very windy from the start. But it is a good result for me considering that it is the last race of the year."

For Galea 2003 proved to be another very successful year.

"I won GSSE gold and the half-marathon for the 11th time," she said. "Surely, it was a very satisfying year.

"Still, I'm very ambitious and looking at a number of options for next year. One of my aims is to improve my time in a full marathon. In fact, unless anything crops up, I'm looking to take part in the Boston marathon next April."

Marathon build-up

A particular trait of the Mdina-Spinola race is that many athletes use it to gauge their condition in view of February's Malta Marathon. The importance of this event was fully exemplified by Jonathan Balzan's determination to compete despite suffering from a serious bout of 'flu.

The St Patrick's athlete was third in 59.01, a reasonable enough performance given that he had been advised not to take part.

Athleta Pembroke's Brian Magri, who was second in 58.52, also admitted that the Mdina-Spinola formed part of his preparation for next February's important date.

"I came in second but was looking for something better," he said.

"In fact, I was two minutes over last year's time. Along the way I noticed that there are certain problems that will have to be addressed in training. For me that was the most important result. I know where I need to improve and now I can work on doing just that."

Not everyone was disappointed with their time. Cecilia Fenech, now running in Zurrieq Wolves' colours, came in second in 1.07.20.

"I've been taking part in this race for around 11 years," she said. "And this year's result is my personal best. The race in itself was very tactical because you risk pushing yourself too much in the first three miles since they are all downhill. When the route levels off, you start feeling the strain on your legs. But I managed to run the race as I planned it."

But perhaps the most elated athlete at the finishing line was Ladies Running Club's Silvana Camilleri. Her time of 1.10.42 guaranteed third place in the female category.

"I'm used to finishing fourth or fifth, so this makes a nice change. It is very satisfying as it is a reward for all the hours spent training," she said. "Today I also managed to register a new personal best on this route."