Given the somewhat tumultuous reaction to the new set-up of the Road Running League, or rather the Power Bar Winter League as it has been rebranded, it was somewhat fitting that strong winds welcomed the first race of this series.

Despite its fresh look and new set of rules, old organisational problems seem to haunt the competition: the race results included a number of blank entries as some athletes had not been identified at the finish line.

It is difficult to blame the volunteers for these shortcomings, given the time and energy they devote to the sport, yet it is impossible not to query how come such issues never seem to crop up in club races.

It is also difficult to see how the league can earn the respect it deserves when the athletes keep getting short-changed.

Running-wise, there was very little change from the past as Jonathan Balzan, once again, dominated, winning Sunday's 5K in Buġibba in a time of 15:43 which was over 30 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

"I think I could have done better but it was too windy," he said.

If Balzan's victory was quite clinical, the fight for second place was much more exciting as Allister Bezzina just edged out Joseph Saliba in a thrilling finish.

After a number of seasons where he showed glimpses of his potential, for Bezzina this could be the year he finally establishes himself among the big guns of local long-distance running.

Another young athlete who, like Bezzina, seems eager to start fulfilling her potential is Joelle Cortis who finished second in the women's race, well behind winner Giselle Camilleri.

"The route is very familiar to me," Camilleri said.

"There are a couple of drawbacks which were unavoidable but one that can be avoided in my opinion is the wind. An 8:30 start is too early in my view and 10 o'clock would be better on the body: I strongly vote to change the early morning time."

A positive feature of this opening race was the number of female athletes taking part, something that was noted by Camilleri.

"I have never seen so many girls on the starting line... so well done to all. Let's keep long distance going for long," she said.

The women's race also witnessed the return of Lisa Marie Bezzina as she was back after an absence of almost two years.

Tellingly, she was third and looks determined to pick up where she left off.

The allocation of cash prizes for the individual winner has further shifted the attention away from the team events which is a pity particularly as an interesting challenge could be underway in the men's section this season between Mellieħa AC and Żurrieq Wolves.

In the women's field, however, it is difficult to see beyond St Patrick's AC who on Sunday occupied seven of the top 10 placings. Victory for them seems like a formality even at this early stage.

Results

Men: 1. Jonathan Balzan 15:43; 2. Allister Bezzina 16:15; 3. Joseph Saliba 16:16; 4. Gerald Grech 16:20; 5. Kevin Zammit 16:44.

Women: 1. Giselle Camilleri 18:17; 2. Joelle Cortis 18:44; 3. Lisa Marie Bezzina 19:10; 4. Angela Sammut 19:17; 5. Caroline Ciappara 19:24.