The Birkirkara SJ 5k Running Series kicked off with a surprise recently after Sweden’s Martin Wvopio crossed the finish line first at the Mtarfa bypass in 16 minutes and ten seconds.

Keith Galea, who made a welcome return to the series after an absence of one year, was six seconds slower and fellow Birkirkara St Joseph team-mate Steve Chetcuti came in third. His time was 16:31.

Galea started off in the lead with Chetcuti and Wvopio hot on his heels.

Then, half way through the distance, positions altered with Wvopio picking up a steady pace to win the race.

In the women’s category, La Salle AC’s Tara Abdilla maintained the lead from start to finish ahead of Mellieħa AC runners Rita Galea and Angele Sammut, second and third respectively.

A total of 120 runners took part in the first race from the 2015 Series, held on the Mtarfa course that offers a few uphills and downhills. Weather conditions were ideal with a gentle breeze helping mitigate the heat of the summer evening.

The series is held under the auspices of Athletics Malta and the winners will be the ones who garner the highest number of points from all three legs.

The next race is now scheduled to take place on July 21.

Those athletes wishing to register can do so online (www. bkarastjoseph.com) or on race day, 30 minutes prior to the start time.

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