Grech aiming to retain title

Despite having to contend with injury during the summer, AS Libertas' runner Gerald Grech on Sunday starts favourite to retain his MAAA Road Running League title.

The first from four 10km runs, will be held at Zebbug.

"I have now recovered fully from my injury and I'm slowly getting back in good shape," he explained.

"I believe that this year it will be more of a challenge for me especially since two top runners who did not run last year - Charles Cilia and John Buhagiar - have indicated that they will be taking part this year. I also expect a very strong challenge from Jonathan Balzan.

"Nevertheless I am up for the challenge and I am confident that I can hold on to the title."

His plans for Zebbug are for "100 per cent effort and a sub 33-minute run."

Introduced last year, this route has been favourably welcomed by many athletes, Grech included.

"I set my personal best on road 10km - 32.45 (and course record) as it is a completely flat course and is run in three loops which gives a unique buzz and adrenalin boost to the runner who goes past the spectators a number of times."

Grech was also full of praise for the MAAA. "A final comment, if I may, is a big thank you to all MAAA officials for organising the road running league and all the other races for many years without fail!"

Palermo half marathon winner Balzan will also be on the starting line on Sunday. Having twice finished second and as many times third, Balzan is expected to challenge once more.

Youngster Mark Herrera (Athleta Pembroke) should also offer a stern challenge to the leading duo. As with Grech, Herrera likes to alternate middle distance events on the track with longer races on the road. Last year, he finished third overall and has been steadily developing for the past two seasons.

A welcome return is that of Birkirkara St Joseph's John Buhagiar. "Over the summer I didn't feel like running," he replied when asked for an explanation over his period of inactivity.

"Now I'm getting back into the routine. I'm not expecting great things from the Road Running League. Hopefully, once I'm back in the groove I'll keep on running and results will improve with each race."

Another established long distance athlete who is expected to start next Sunday is Charles Cilia (AS Libertas), even if marathons will remain his focus.

Like Buhagiar, he isn't expecting any special results.

"I will use these races as preparations for marathons since in eight weeks' time I will be taking part in a marathon at Palma De Mallorca," he said. "Yet it always pays to do the first race of the running league as it is serves as an excellent indicator to how you are doing."

Galea firm favourite

In the women's category, it is difficult to look beyond Carol Galea (Athleta Pembroke). She remains Malta's long-distance queen and barring injury or decision to focus elsewhere, she should be heading the list of winners. As happened last year, fellow Pembroke runner Lisa Marie Bezzina should be the first one after Galea. Although constantly improving, she still isn't in Galea's league as far as the longer distances are concerned.

Others who could offer a challenge are Zurrieq Wolves duo Cecilia Fenech and Kathleen Vella. Although she favours longer distances, Fenech is always a good performer while the recent success at the Gudja 8k should have served as a good morale booster.

Giselle Camilleri, who has spent the summer training in Europe and also took part in a number of minor races in Belgium and France, has decided to give the Road Running League a miss, according to a MAAA spokesman.