Hardman sets new record at Mtarfa

The course record for the Birkirkara St Joseph 5K Road Running Series held on the Mtarfa By-Pass, set by Jonathan Balzan on July 31, 2007 when he stopped the clock at 15 minutes 51 seconds, was completely smashed in this year’s third race of the series.

Britain’s Carl Hardman, of the Salford Harriers, set the new standard when he completed the distance in 15 minutes 31 seconds.

Second male athlete to finish the race was current series leader Charles Cilia, of Mellieħa AC. He clocked 16 minutes, 13 seconds ahead of Żurrieq Wolves duo Melvin Mifsud (16:30) and Adrian Mifsud (16:38).

In the women’s race, Rita Galea maintained her one hundred per cent record, and won the race in 19 minutes 40 seconds.

Galea, of St Patrick’s AC, was again unchallenged in this penultimate race of the Series. She is now the clear favourite to win the top honours.

Carmen Hili, of St Patrick’s AC, finished second in 20 minutes, 14 seconds, and Margaret Seguna was third in 20 minutes, 27 seconds.

The final race of the Series will be held on December 13.

Leading the males overall classification is Cilia with a time of 32 minutes 5 seconds, followed by Gerald Grech (32:51) and Melvin Mifsud (33:05).

Galea tops the women’s table with a time of 38 minutes, 42 seconds. Hili (40:23) is second and Cecilia Fenech (40:24) third.

The best two performances registered by the athletes in the first three races are considered for the overall classification, while the fourth and final race is compulsory.