Luke Micallef and Lisa Bezzina win first Road Running Series race of the season

Luke Micallef and Lisa Bezzina claimed the first wins of the Athletics Malta National Road Running League series, securing victory in the 10km race, and take an early lead in the new six-race format.

The two Pembroke athletes romped to victory with a confident and consistent race on a slightly windy and sunny afternoon on the newly-certified route around Attard and Ta’ Qali.

Micallef secured his victory in 31:21 to finish ahead of defending road running league champion Dillon Cassar (Mellieħa AC) who clocked 32:01 while Evolve’s Aidan Tanti completed the podium in 32:53.

Among the women, Lisa Bezzina, who last won the national title two seasons ago, secured her victory in 40:35 ahead of Josann Attard Pulis, of Blaze SC, (41:09) with Pembroke’s Rosalie Borg in third place on 41:27.

The 10k race was hosted by Pembroke Athleta, and is traditionally dedicated to raise awarness on mental health being.

For the 2024-25 season, the national association has involved local clubs in hosting a number of road running league series events.

Infact, the next two races, both on a shorter 5km distance, will be organised by Evolve Endurance Club in Ta’ Xbiex and by Rush AC in Safi on November 17 and December 1, respectively.

Despite Micallef’s victory, a stronger placing of its athletes meant that Mellieħa AC took the early lead in the clubs leaderboard ahead of Żurrieq Wolves and Evolve Endurance Club.

Among the women, two podium positions secure Pembroke’s top spot, ahead of Żurrieq Wolves and Mellieħa AC.