Jonathan Balzan and Carol Walsh had the best timings in the first leg of the 2008 Malta International Challenge Marathon following a 11.195km race in Rabat yesterday.

Balzan, of St Patrick's, did well to finish almost two minutes ahead of his nearest rival when clocking 38.44. Mellieħa AC's Johann Galea was second, 40.41, and Simon Lia, of Żurrieq Wolves, third in 41.54.

Defending champion Brian Magri was on the starting line yesterday but had to retire after five kilometres with a pulled muscle.

Pembroke veteran Walsh again showed she has no peers over long distances when covering the course in 44 minutes and 21 seconds. Her time was seventh overall in an entry of almost 90 runners, some of whom from the UK, Germany and Holland.

Carmen Hili, of St Patrick's, was second behind Walsh in 46.38 and Nancy Hill, of England's Mount Bay Harriers, third in 51.14.

The second leg of the three-day event will be held at midday today in Birżebbuġa. The course is the shortest of the three - six kilometres. The marathon comes to a close tomorrow with the 25km race from St Paul's Bay to Valletta's Freedom Square.

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