Notwithstanding the strong winds prevailing over the race route at Ta’ Qali, Athleta Pembroke’s Mark Herrera managed to equal the time he registered in the second race to win this third and penultimate race in the Birkirkara 5k Road Running Series 2006, organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club.

Current overall leader James Douglas of Birkirkara St. Joseph clocked his worst time so far to finish second in 15 minutes 55 seconds, 10 seconds behind the race winner. Another Athleta Pembroke athlete, Brian Magri, was third in 16 minutes 12 seconds.

Athleta Pembroke’s Lisa Bezzina continued to dominate the female category, virtually crowning herself the series winner, with her third successive victory in 18 minutes 5 seconds.

Second placed Angela Sammut of St. Patrick’s, however, has managed to narrow the gap to 28 seconds, finishing in 18 minutes 33 seconds. Joelle Cortis, another Athleta Pembroke athlete, finished third in 19 minutes 7 seconds.

The fourth and final race of this series will be held on 13 December in Birkirkara, starting at 9am.