Debono, Galea winners on corrected time

After the Qawra Veterans' Race, the Malta Amateur Athletics Association, together with the Veterans Sub-Committee, organised another 10K race for this particular category. The race, held earlier this month, consisted of two loops of 5K each at the picturesque village of Marsascala.

Given the ideal weather conditions on that day, all 77 participants were anticipating better results than those achieved in Qawra last January.

Leading from the start was Brian Magri, a newcomer in the veterans' section, closely followed by Mario Vella and Jimmy Sacco.

The trio established a commanding lead over the chasing group made up of Carol Galea, John Saliba and Manuel Spiteri. Coming up further behind and challenging for a place on the podium was Alfred Debono, Edward Buttigieg and Jesmond Pace.

At the half-way stage, the leading pack continued to increase their lead and eventually the first athlete to cross the finishing line was Magri in 33:32. Vella and Sacco followed in that order.

Fourth overall and first in the women's race was Galea in 36:07. She was followed by Cecilia Fenech and Liz Said.

Debono, who was seventh overall, won the best technical performance with a corrected time of 32:11 and Galea won the corresponding place in the women's category with a corrected time of 34:03.

Corrected times were worked out using the age-graded international tables.

Debono and Galea won an air ticket to participate in the European Veteran Non-Stadia Championship in Algarve, Portugal, between May 13 and 15.

Charlot Mifsud, the Marsascala Mayor, presented trophies and cash prizes to the winners at the end of the race.

Results

Men: 1. Brian Magri - M40 Pembroke 33:32; 2. Mario Vella - M40 Mellieha AC 34:04; 3. Jimmy Sacco - M40 Birkirkara SJ 34:49.

Women: 1. Carol Galea - W40 Pembroke 36:07; 2. Cecilia Fenech - W40 Zurrieq Wolves 38:54; 3. Liz Said - W55 LRC 44:05.

Age-graded (men): 1. Alfred Debono - M55 Zurrieq Wolves 32:11; 2. Mario Vella 32:30; 3. Jimmy Sacco 33:13.

Age-graded (women): 1. Carol Galea 34:03; 2. Liz Said 35:49; 3. Cecilia Fenech 36:22.