Mifsud, Hili retain BSJ 5k series titles

Aaron Mifsud, of Pembroke Athleta, and St Patrick’s AC runner Carmen Hili have just retained the titles they won last year after topping the 10th edition of the Birkirkara St Joseph 5k Road Running Series.

Hili stayed unbeaten in all events but Mifsud had to settle for second place in the final race of the championship which was held at the Mtarfa bypass.

Steve Chetcuti, of Birkirkara St Joseph, went into the decisive race with a one-second deficit in his claim for second place in the overall classification.

He made sure of sealing the runner-up spot by winning the final race of the series in 16 minutes 24 seconds, two seconds in front of champion Mifsud.

Clyde Gerada, of St Patrick’s, was third in 16:39.

Mifsud won the series in an accumulated time of 48 minutes, 39 seconds. Chetcuti finished second in 49 minutes, 12 seconds, and Simon Spiteri, of St Patrick’s AC, was third in 49 minutes 30 seconds.

In the women’s race, Hili was unchallenged on her way to a second successive title.

She won the final race in 18 minutes, 50 seconds, her best performance of the season.

Francesca Arrigo, of the Ladies Running Club, was the runner-up on the day in 19 minutes, 20 seconds, and Margaret Seguna (Mellieħa AC) third in 19 minutes, 52 seconds.

Hili won the series in an accumulated time of 56 minutes, 41 seconds. Arrigo was second (58 minutes, 36 seconds) and Johanna Calleja (Birkirkara St Joseph) third in 1:00.46.

The 5K Road Running Series was held under the auspices of the Malta Amateur Athletic Association and sponsored by The Cyclist of San Ġwann.