Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/870005
21 Sport ATHLETICS maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2017 HOS 10K Series - Burmarrad edition draws the crowds Debono and Bezzina continue unbeaten record THE second edition of the HOS 10K Series 2017 - Bur- marrad Edition saw nearly double participation from last year's edition when over 240 athletes signed up for this scenic route. Held under the auspices of the Malta Amateur Athlet- ics Association, once again the route attracted a good mix of athletes – Charlton Debono and Lisa Bezzina continued to dominate the five-race series with yet an- other win. Despite the route being de- signed to be a f lat and fast one, the strong winds which picked up on the morning of the race hindered most ath- letes, with the majority reg- istering slightly slower times than the previous year. Current Series leader Charl- ton Debono was out first on the start but by the end of the first 5k loop, his position was seriously challenged by Nu- radin Shifa who kept Debono literally on his toes to keep his placing. As the race pro- gressed Debono increased his pace to win over Shifa by 28 seconds, in a time of 33 minutes 20 seconds. In third place was Mauro Desira who clocked a time of 34 minutes 41 seconds. The top three runners in the female category Lisa Bezzina, Josann Attard Pulis and Gi- anella Bugeja where expected to make an appearance on the podium. Last year's winner Bugeja started off well how- ever newcomer to the route Bezzina asserted her posi- tion from the start and took a comfortable lead even before the first loop. Bezzina was followed by Attard Pulis and Bugeja, which placings were kept till the end of the race. Bezzina completed the 10k route in 37:22, Attard Pulis in 40mins, improving her time over last year whilst Bugeja clocked in third with a time of 41 minutes 23 seconds. "We are very pleased with this race's participation - athletes are spoilt for choice with a calendar full of races to choose from, so we work very hard to ensure that our athletes have a great race experience – the route was carefully chosen so that athletes can enjoy as much country side, in a relatively peaceful route", commented Charlie Demanuele, Race Director – HOS 10k Road Running Series. "Our races keep growing, athletes keep returning and bringing their friends with them and most of Malta's top athletes grace the start line each time. We look forward to the next race of the Series which is scheduled for 8th December, a public holiday". The House of Sport 10k Race Series are being pow- ered by Urban Jungle House of Sport, and supported by emvigee pr & marketing and Starmax. The organis- ing team is grateful for the support given by the Malta Police, Transport Malta, St. Paul's Bay Local Council as well as the Race Officials, Marshalls, Medical crews and volunteers. The next instalment of the Urban Jungle House of Sport 10k Series will be held on the 8th December. Further in- formation will be announced shortly.