Cilia third in Mallorca marathon

Maltese runner Charles Cilia yesterday placed third in the Calvia International Marathon, held in Palma de Mallorca.

The AC Mellieha athlete finished the race in 2 hours 38 minutes 46 seconds.

At the halfway mark, Cilia was third, trailing two Spanish athletes and leading the fourth runner by over a minute.

According to reports from Palma de Mallorca, Cilia tried hard to defend the title he won last year.

Cilia managed to keep pace with the front runners up to the halfway stage but thereafter the Spanish duo increased their advantage over the Maltese participant.

Spaniard Jose Santos was first in 2 hours 27 minutes 51 seconds followed by compatriot Juan Delgado who came home in 2 hours 31 minutes and 39 seconds.

Cilia, who was accompanied by coach Ivan Rozhnov, took part in the Calvia International Marathon after receiving an invitation from the organising committee.