Easy for Ksheim in Birżebbuġa

Injury and unhappy timing meant that the majority of Malta's leading road running specialists stayed away from this year's Garmin Birżebbuġa 10K, but that should not detract from what was a very impressive win by Haithem Ksheim.

In recent months, the St Patrick's AC Libyan runner emerged as a force to be reckoned with over the longer distances and has underlined his potential with a series of wins in various road races. His reputation was enhanced in Birżebbuġa where he dominated from start to finish, ending up with a winning margin of 90 seconds and a finish of 33:35.

Indeed, it could be argued that the lack of any significant challenge worked against Ksheim who failed to improve on his previous year's finish of 33:00.

Not that Drew Lang, who eventually finished second, ever gave up. The veteran, also of St Patrick's, remains a determined competitor and was understandably pleased to finish runner-up in a race where he has done very well in the past. He just managed to edge out Mellieħa's Richard Chetcuti who finished the race in 35:19 with Lang in on 35:05.

Yet, perhaps the most impressive result of the day was Konstantin Roshnov's fourth place finish in 35:27. Running in the colours of St Patrick's, the 16-year-old was a revelation although his performance shouldn't be much of a surprise given that his father, Ivan, is one of the most respected long distance running coaches on the island.

Roshnov senior happens to be the coach of Giselle Camilleri who continued with her recent return back to full fitness with another win.

Camilleri, another St Patrick's athlete, won in 40:03 which is another significant boost after her recent results on the track that saw her regain her place in the national squad. Now, the 2009 GSSE should be her main target.

Carmen Hili, also of St Patrick's and last year's winner, finished second in 42:03 which was almost a minute slower than the time she set last year. Starmax AC's Josann Attard was third (42:36).