Dillon Cassar, Marija Cumbo take honours in 5k event

Aaron Mifsud (Mellieħa AC) and Matthew Xuereb (Żurrieq Wolves) battled the Intersport Burmarrad 10k race course to a nail-biting finish last week. 

The race welcomed a good number of athletes eager to return to competition. The race was organised in full observance of COVID-19 protocols established by the health authorities.

Xuereb started to lead the way from the fourth kilometre with Mifsud hot on his heels throughout. 

A final push from Mifsud saw him overtake Xuereb in the last 100 metres to win the race with just a two-second gap. 

Mifsud crossed the finish line in 32:32. In third place was Evolve Endurance Club’s Andrew Grech who clocked at time of 33:01.

In the females’ category, the evergreen Lisa Bezzina (Pembroke Athleta) had a well-paced race to win in a time of 36:04, just four seconds short of the course record.

In second place, 31 seconds behind Bezzina, was Ladies Running Club’s Jemima Farley. Evolve’s Roberta Schembri completed the 10k podium, finishing the race in 38:06.

The 5k race was dominated by Mellieħa runner Dillon Cassar, whose finish time of 14:34 saw him establish a course record and one of the fastest times on this distance on the island.

Finishing in second place behind Cassar in a time of 16:01 was Jake Fenech, whilst Neil Brimmer’s time of 16:10 saw him place in third place.  

The female podium was made up of Marija Cumbo (Mellieħa AC) who clocked a time of 18:44, Charla Pia Vella (Żurrieq Wolves) who finished in 19:40. Third-placed Charyl Fava (Evolve Endurance Club) clocked a time of 20:24.

Prizes to the top three male and female runners were presented by Athletics Malta president Andy Grech and Race Director Charlie Demanuele.

In a statement, organisers thanked Transport Malta, St. Paul’s Bay Local Council, Police District and all involved for their support. 

The next race of the Intersport 10k Series will take place on Sunday, January 23 and will take place in the Three Cities.