Nemeth breaks record for fourth consecutive year

Four years, four wins and four route records. This is Christian Nemeth's enviable track record - for there isn't a better suited word - at the Zurrieq International Half Marathon.

Last year, just after he had broken his own record, the Belgian athlete predicted that he could improve the best time even further.

This year's 1.09:36 finish proved that this wasn't simply an idle boast as it meant an improvement of almost half a minute from 1.09:58.

"I started slowly - well, at least slower than usual - which was a good strategy as it ensured that later on in the race I had more energy and could push even harder," he explained.

Asked whether he feels that the record can be improved even further, Nemeth gave a cautious reply.

"I had a good run, the weather was fine, I won and broke the route record. You can't ask for more."

It is impossible not to feel pleased for this affable athlete who is always full of encouragement for those around him.

Second-placed Charles Cilia was another who had nothing but words of praise for him. "Before the race we spoke and agreed to try and help each other as much as possible. Up until the 10th kilometre, I kept up with him before he forged ahead.

"I'm very pleased not only because the time (1.13:33) is very good for me at this stage of the season but also because I managed to stay close to a very good athlete."

Jonathan Balzan (1.14:42) placed third, thereby inverting last year's placing with Cilia. Balzan is still carrying an injury but his results are still impressive.

"Up to the 10th kilometre I was sixth but then managed to catch up the group made up of Robert Vella, Drew Lang and Mario Pisani.

"I kept up with them till the final mile when I decided to push harder. I live nearby and run this route each day so I thought that I should go for it."

Among the women, it was Lisa Marie Bezzina who won with a personal best on this route of 1.25:44.

"I cannot be happier," she said. "Initially I was with a group of male athletes and tried to keep up with them but at one point I found myself on my own.

"To be honest, I was about to panic a little bit but then continued pressing hard."

Second place went to Carmen Hili who is one of those athletes who always insists that time - in her case 1.29:05 - is the most important result. Thus, there was a sense of predictability to her reply when asked about her feelings, given that this was slightly worse than her best.

"It is good to finish a race and to do so among the top three athletes is always of great encouragement. But still, there's always room for improvement," she said.

Doreen Vella was the lone representative of organisers Zurrieq Wolves on the podium as she finished third with a time of 1.31:21.

"This is the first time I've finished so high up the rankings so I'm obviously very pleased," Vella said. "I run this route regularly so I knew what to expect. It was a good time for me and a good result so I'm very happy."