Familiar and new faces light up 2006 challenge

The Christmas lights might have been switched on earlier during the week, but it was Konstantin Kochkin who really lit up Valletta's Republic Street yesterday with an exceptional run to clinch the 16th Malta International Challenge Marathon with an overall time of 2:24.41.

"It isn't good enough to beat Dale Rixon's record of 2:15.49 way back in 1992," race director Barry Whitmore said afterwards.

"But it is the fastest run we've seen in a long, long time at the Challenge."

That confirmed the impression that the fresh-faced Russian runner was a special talent this year.

"This is the best race of my life," the visibly delighted Kochkin said, although anyone who witnessed his strong finish to the third leg - where he clocked one hour and twenty-seven minutes - would be willing to bet that the 27-year old is well capable of doing even better.

Indeed, such was his dominance over the three days that his final overall time meant a margin of almost 10 minutes over the second-placed athlete.

"It is an excellent race and the scenery is very beautiful. There are a number of hills along the road which makes it quite tough, particularly the final one that leads to the finish. So it is truly a challenge. Yet, it is a nice challenge as well," he said.

Kochkin was speaking to the press through fellow Russian Stanislav Terentiev, who, incidentally, finished second yesterday (1.34.49) and third overall (2.35.09).

Four-time winner David Mansbridge, who finished third on the day (1.34.58) and second overall was visibly disappointed.

"I was injured for the first six months of the year and that has had an effect. Perhaps age is catching up on me," he added, although the reality was that he had come across a brilliant athlete without whom the time Mansbridge's time of 2.34.29 would have got him closer to a fifth overall win.

One athlete with whom age doesn't seem to be catching up is Carol Walsh who, as expected, was the first woman in at the City Gate gantry (1.47.57) and, therefore, confirmed her overall victory in 2.55.27.

Walsh's inclusion was a surprise - she last took part in this race 13 years ago but she didn't regret her choice.

"I really enjoyed myself. At first I was a little bit apprehensive because you have to watch yourself when you're running three races in consecutive days. You can easily get injured which is the last thing I want with the GSSE just around the corner.

"But I used my experience and held back a little in the first two races," said the Athleta Pembroke stalwart who made sure to thank her club along with coach John Walsh and the Malta Olympic Committee.

If Walsh's victory was expected, Doreen Vella's second place - both in the final race and overall - was not. The Zurrieq Wolves' runner started the day in third place.

"It gave me something to aim for. I felt strong from the start and ran well. Obviously, I'm very happy with the result," she said.

Vella finished with a time of 1.49.09 and an overall 3.01.10.

The winner of the past four editions of the women's Challenge, Hili, ran the third stage (25kms) in 1.52.58 meaning a total of 3.04.06.

She was gracious despite the setback.

"I'm pleased to have finished the race," she aid. "That is always something to be thankful for. I didn't feel good today although I can't really find an explanation for this."

Another result of note was Drew Lang's fourth placing (2:36.23) which also made him the first local athlete in the 2006 Challenge.

"I'm pleased because I wanted to finish the first Maltese but at the same time I'm a little bit disappointed because I wanted to rank among the top three as well," he said.

Lang, however, had to settle for fifth position on the last day of the marathon as it was young Johan Galea who clinched fourth spot in 1.35.01.

"I felt very strong and I'm very happy with my race this year," said the 25-year-old who must certainly rank as one of the bright hopes for Maltese long distance running.