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	Poul Greena Wins Malta International Challenge Marathon

Poul Greena Wins Malta International Challenge Marathon by Paul Grech

If there was ever a sporting event where calculators could be considered an essential accessory it was certainly at the third and final leg of this year's Malta International Challenge Marathon.

Over the course of the previous two days' running, Dane Poul Greena had built a 16-second advantage over 2003 winner Dave Mansbridge. Malta's Jonathan Balzan was third.

The beauty of this event, however, lies in the fact that no lead is unassailable especially one as slender as that.

All of which set the stage for a potentially dramatic conclusion to proceedings, something which the crowd that gathered at the finishing line in City Gate were certainly aware of.

At the sight of the lead car, the expectation level rose visibly as those watching waited to calculate who was to win this year's marathon.

In the end, no mental computations were necessary. True, Mansbridge managed to beat Greena yet the distance between the two was such that there was never any doubt as to who the overall winner would be.

Physically exhausted by the day's exertion, Greena (2.25.02) took a while to regain composure. He was equally overwhelmed by his success.

"It was very tough for me because I'm not a marathon runner," he said.

"I enjoyed the first two days because of shorter distances however today's 25k from Bugibba was tough.

"I've never run such a distance before. But I stuck at it as I was in the lead. I was dead tired at the final hill but the will to win got me through to the finish line. I'm extremely satisfied with the result."

Mansbridge's disappointment was all too visible.

"I think that I made a bit of a mistake," he admitted. "At the 15k mark I got away from them and probably opened a 15-second lead but I lost a lot of energy at that point. They started catching up on me and with 3k to go I looked behind me, saw Greena and knew that there was no way that I was going to beat him.

"If I had just waited and conserved my energy perhaps I would have been able to make it."


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	Powerade Dingli 10-Mile Race - Balzan in record time

Powerade Dingli 10-Mile Race: Balzan in record time Fenech takes women's honours by Lewis Portelli

A brilliant and cloudless, though damp, morning yesterday greeted the 95 runners as they were set off by Peter Farrugia, president of the St Patrick's Athletics Club, organisers of the traditional Dingli 10-mile race in collaboration with the Dingli Local Council.

Jonathan Balzan's intentions were evident from the start. He was determined not only to win the race for the second successive year but also to set a new record time. And he succeeded in achieving both in sparkling fashion.

This talented, long distance runner darted in front as the runners tackled the comparatively 'easy' first part of the course down to Nigret and the Fiddien valley.

But the real test of this tough race starts at the five-mile mark as the field winds its way uphill right up to Dingli Cliffs.

By that time, Balzan, increasing his punishing pace, had already established a comfortable lead and barring accidents he had the race already sewn up.

As he appeared all alone, running impressively for the last two miles, the question on everybody's lips was whether he would in fact set a new mark.

Continuing his hard work, a great round of applause greeted this dedicated athlete and sportsman as he crossed the finishing line in a record time of 55:25. The old record for the present course, 56:12, was set up jointly by Robert Attard and Charles Cilia in 2000.

"This is a magnificent follow-up to my second placing in the Malta Half Marathon," a beaming and fully satisfied Balzan said.

"The humid conditions made us perspire a lot but I had put my mind on accomplishing the two targets I set myself... and I am greatly pleased that I did."

Drew Lang, three-times winner of the race (1996, 1997 and 2001) was second (59:01) while Charlie Vella was third (1:01.30).

In the women's section, two very familiar faces topped the list with Cecilia Fenech finishing first (1:06.50) followed by Carmen Hili, this year's Malta Marathon winner, 2:22 behind. Third was Daniela Casha (1:16.36).

The 2.3-mile junior race was won by Andrea Camilleri (12:32) followed by Karl Zammit and Christian Formosa. Lara Vella won the girls' section (14:50) with Yana Pace Cocks and Roberta Borg, second and third respectively.

Neil Pace Cocks was first in the Fun Run while Ismael Falzon and Amanda Balzan were presented with mementos for their achievements in the special section reserved for persons with special needs.

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