The 2007 Edition of the Birkirkara 5K Road Running Series was launched on Wednesday at the Ta’ Qali National Park.

The traditional route had to be changed due to works in front of the Greek Theatre. AS Libertas’ Gerald Grech clocked 15 minutes 41 seconds to win this first race in a series of four organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club in conjunction with the Birkirkara Local Council and under the auspices of the Malta Amateur Athletic Association.

First female was Angela Sammut of St. Patrick’s AC in a time of 18 minutes 57 seconds.

Gerald Grech and Jonathan Balzan set a fast pace from the gun, in front of a chasing group including Brian Magri, Peter Azzopardi and Fabio Spiteri. Grech and Balzan widened the gap by the 3 kilometre mark, while Brian Magri settled unchallenged in third place. It was in the final kilometre that the two leaders opened the sprint to the finish. Veteran campaigner of the Series Gerald Grech managed to outrun newcomer Jonathan Balzan of St Patrick’s by 5 seconds. Brian Magri (Athleta Pembroke) finished third in 16 minutes 14 seconds.

The females’ race was also an exciting affair. At the end it was Angela Sammut who finished 15 seconds ahead of Joelle Cortis of Athleta Pembroke. Another Athleta Pembroke Athlete, Nadia Portelli finished third in 19 minutes 31 seconds.

The second race in the series will be held on Tuesday, 31st July at the Ta’ Qali National Park and will start at 7.30 pm. Entry forms will be accepted up to 15 minutes before the start.