Grech, Sammut claim victories at Ta' Qali

Gerald Grech and Angela Sammut were the winners of the first leg from the 2007 Birkirkara 5K Road Running Series which got underway this week at Ta' Qali.

On an altered route due to works in the locality, Grech, of AS Libertas, clocked 15 minutes 41 seconds to win this first race in a series of four organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club in conjunction with the Birkirkara Local Council and under the auspices of the Malta Amateur Athletic Association.

Sammut, of St Patrick's AC, made the finishing line in 18 minutes 57 seconds.

In the men's race, Grech and Jonathan Balzan set a fast pace with Brian Magri, Peter Azzopardi and Fabio Spiteri leading the chasing pack. By the third kilometre mark, Grech and Balzan had widened the gap as Magri (Athleta Pembroke) settled unchallenged in third place.

It was in the final kilometre that the two leaders sprinted to the finishing line. Seasoned series campaigner Grech reached the tape first, a mere five seconds faster than Balzan. Magri was third in 16 minutes 14 seconds.

Sammut was just 15 seconds ahead of Joelle Cortis, of Athleta Pembroke, in another tight finish.

Nadia Portelli, also of Pembroke, was third in 19 minutes 31 seconds.

The second race in the series will be held on July 31, also at Ta' Qali and will start at 7.30 p.m. Entry forms will be accepted up to 15 minutes before the start.