The third edition of the Birkirkara 5K Road Running Series 2005 organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club with the collaboration of the Birkirkara Local Council started last Friday at the Ta' Qali National Park. Mark Herrera and Carol Galea won their respective categories, in the process both registering personal best times on the Ta' Qali 5 kilometre course.

Athleta Pembroke's Herrera, third overall in last year's series, set a very fast pace from the start of the race, chased by Drew Lang and Michael Gellel of St. Patrick's AC.

Herrera, won the race in 15 minutes 43 seconds, Lang was second in 16 minutes and Gellel third in 16 minutes 17 seconds. All these athletes registered a personal best time on the course.

Carol Galea (Athleta Pembroke AC) had an easier task in winning the first race. Her nearest rival, Lisa Bezzina, never threatened the leader for the honours. Galea won in 17 minutes 4 seconds, followed by Bezzina (Athleta Pembroke AC) in 17 minutes 53 seconds and Giselle Camilleri (St Patrick's AC) in 18 minutes 16 seconds.

Birkirkara St. Joseph were assisted by the district police, Maxim Sports Nutrition and Kristal Water.