Athletics: Dillon Cassar wins fourth leg of road running series as Lisa Bezzina dominates female field

Dillon Cassar has won the fourth leg of the Athletics Road Running Series, a 10km race in Ħal Far, to put himself back in contention for the overall title, with the Mellieħa AC athlete fending off a strong finish by Evolve’s Gabriel Farrugia to win in 30:51, just one second ahead of his direct competitor. Aidan Tanti, also of Evolve, came home third in 31:56.

With this win, the first in this season’s series, Cassar manages to climb to second place in the overall table, with the same points tally as Farrugia, with both athletes separated by just one point from leader Luke Micallef. This means that it will be all to play for in the final two races of this year’s Road Running Series.

The women’s title, however, appears to be all but decided with Lisa Bezzina (Pembroke) having one hand on the title after making it four wins out of four race in 37:52. Her team mate Rosalie Borg claimed second spot in 38:41, as she successfully defended her second place in the overall ranking. Libertas’ Mona Lisa Camilleri completed the day’s podium, allowing her to join Josann Atttard Pulis (Blaze SC) and Ritianne Zammit (Pembroke) in third place overall.

In the clubs’ league, Dillon Cassar’s victory helps Mellieħa AC cement their top spot, but Evolve remain in contention thanks to two podium positions secured in Ħal Far. Among the women, Pembroke AC appear to have an unassailable lead in the ranking, with Mellieħa AC and Żurrieq AC second and third respectively.

The league will reach its climax on 16th February and 16th March respectively, with Athletics Malta hosting the final two races in Ta’ Qali, with both events also serving as the National 10km and 5k Championship respectively.