The Birkirkara St. Joseph Open Sea Swimming Series continued last Wednesday with the longest swim in the programme in preparation for the forthcoming Gozo-Malta Open Sea Swimming Challenge. The 4000 metre swim, the fifth race in this Series, was held at Marsascala in rather choppy waters. Dermot Galea pipped Series leader Keith Galea in the final stages of the race. Isabelle Zarb sustained her unbeaten run in the females' race winning with a wide margin on nearest rival Michelle Wood.

Three seconds separated the top two places. Dermot Galea had Keith Galea on his heels throughout the whole race. The prevailing sea conditions were more favourable to Dermot and although he was continuously threatened he kept a solid grip on the race. His winning time was one hour five minutes 49 seconds. Keith Galea finished three seconds later and in third place finished Keith Bartolo in one hour 10 minutes 45 seconds. In the overall classification and with one race to go, Keith Galea is in first place with three hours 11 minutes, Keith Bartolo is second with three hours 22 minutes 53 seconds, while Luke Bonnici is in third place with three hours 37 minutes 5 seconds.

The females' race was again a one sided affair. Reigning champion Isabelle Zarb cruised to victory in one hour 19 minutes 58 seconds. Michelle Wood was second in one hour 24 minutes 32 seconds, 18 seconds in front of Susan Farrugia in third place. In the overall classification Zarb is leading with three hours 43 minutes, ahead of Wood (3:56:37) and Suzanne Farrugia (4:02:53)

This Series now breaks for the Gozo-Malta Open Sea Swimming Challenge on Saturday 25th August. The sixth and final race of the Series will be held at Birzebbuga on 5th September, starting at 6.00 p.m.