The General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd, through its brand Powerade, will be awarding Jonathan Balzan with an all-inclusive trip to participate in the 2011 Athens Classic Marathon to be held in Athens on November 13.

Earlier this year, Powerade announced that the Maltese national with the best time in the Malta Marathon would be given this opportunity.

Balzan is already focusing on the task ahead.

“For these marathons, one must concentrate on long running sessions which are normally done on a Sunday,” he said.

“Apart from that, one should also train the mind to withstand the idea of so many kilometres, whilst making some sacrifices and maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet.

“This season it felt like a double victory being the first Maltese to finish the marathon after winning the Malta Running Challenge in November last year.

“Given that the Athens marathon is in mid-November, I will start my training late August bearing in mind how hot the weather is at that time of year. Last but not least, I would like to thank Powerade for giving me this great opportunity.”