Jonathan Balzan (no.1) started his Malta Challenge Marathon title defence on the right footing yesterday by winning the opening stage of the three-legged race – an 11.1km leg in Rabat – in 38.51. He finished ahead of 2001 winner David Mansbridge (39.28) and Brian Magri (39.33). The women’s race was won by Romania’s Hiroko Ogawa (47.09). Joelle Cortis (47.42) was second and Carmen Hili (47.54) third. In all, 132 runners completed the. Today’s second leg, a short 6km run in Birżebbuġa, starts at noon.