Evolve Endurance Club athlete Gabriel Farrugia took top spot in the third leg of the Athletics Malta Road Running League, hosted by Rush Athletics Club in Safi, completing the distance in 14:50, six seconds ahead of Mellieħa's Dillon Cassar. Simon Spiteri (St Patrick's) claimed his first podium position in this season's league with a very creditable 15:01 finish. With this timing, Gabriel Farrugia extended the list of Under 23 records to his books, improving on his non-stadia 5k previous best on the distance by 15 seconds.
With the winner of the first two races, Luke Micallef, missing out on the Safi race, Farrugia's wins adds further excitement to the men's competition as it reaches the half way stage, and increases expectations for the final three races, which will also feature the 5k and 10k National Championships. In a day of records, a stunning performance by Michael Debattista Segond, with the 17-year old placing 5th in 15:54, earning him the Under 18 national record in the process.
Among the women, a major milestone for 17-year old Mireya Bugeja, in her debut season on the road, completing the race in an impressive 18:00, establishing Under 23 and Under 20 records in the process. With Bugeja not participating in the national series, it was Pembroke's Lisa Bezzina, who claimed the top spot for league purposes,in 18:16, ahead of Rosalie Borg (Pembroke) and Mona Lisa Camilleri (Libertas).
In the Clubs league table, Mellieħa AC extend their lead among the men, stretching their advantage ahead of Evolve Endurance Club and Żurrieq. On the other hand, another two podium placings for Pembroke put the team well on course for the women's league title, with a strong advantage on Mellieħa AC and Żurrieq.
The fourth race will take athletes on a 10k route in Ħal Far on 19th January 2025.