Fresh hope as Balzan wins again

A constant topic of discussion among those with long distance running close to their hearts is the lack of real quality coming through.

Given that it always seems that the same two or three win every race, it is difficult to come up with a compelling argument to eliminate those worries.

Yet, there is hope and the third day of the Road Running League provided it.

Alister Bezzina (sixth), Keith Galea (15th) and Rodney Cassar (17th) all are in their early 20s while Doreen Vella and Francesca Arrigo, both of whom in their mid-20s, finished second and third respectively among the women.

It might not be exactly the dawn of a new golden era but at least it is a positive sign.

Even so, the day undoubtedly belonged to one of the usual suspects, in this case Jonathan Balzan.

Given that he had endured a gruelling Malta Challenge Marathon just a week earlier, he would have been forgiven had he chosen to regard this as a training spin. But instead Balzan blitzed the rest of the field with a fantastic run.

For long stretches during the race, however, it was former champion James Douglas who was in the lead of a trio of athletes that apart from Balzan, included Haithem Kisheim.

It was at around 7kms that Balzan made his move, when he overtook Douglas to see what the Briton's reaction would be. This failed to really materialise allowing Balzan the possibility to run in home in a personal best time of 32:07.

"Beating two athletes of the calibre of Douglas and Kisheim rounded off a successful week and league day," a delighted Balzan remarked.

"On this course Douglas had 32.26 so I beat his mark too."

Among so many positives, the only negative note was the close proximity of two major races.

"I've never had two such important races after each other," Balzan said.

"I didn't even have enough time to savour my Challenge victory as another big race approached."

Carmen Hili, who also excelled in the Challenge, took top honours in this leg of the League.

Hili finished second in the Challenge but on this occasion she won with almost a minute to spare.

Results

Men: 1. J. Balzan (St Patrick's AC) 32:07; 2. J. Douglas (Birkirkara SJ) 32:36; 3. H. Kisheim (St Patrick's) 32:41; 4. K. Zammit (Libertas) 33:34; 5. M. Pisani (Pembroke Athleta) 33:45.

Women: 1. C. Hili (St Patrick's) 39:30; 2. D. Vella (Żurrieq Wolves) 40:21; 3. F. Arrigo (LRC) 41:16; 4. N. Portelli (Pembroke) 41:50; 5. C. Ciappara (Allcomers) 42:16.