2nd Maltese in Malta Half Marathon

Hi Everyone

On the 23^rd February I was on the starting line of the 29th edition of the Malta Half Marathon. I did not trained specifically for this race as everything is targeted for the commonwealth games however the race happened to be in my recovery week so I was expecting a good result.  Last year I trained specifically for this race but unfortunately could not give my best as I was sick on the day although I managed a time of 1hr 15mins.  However ,I was determined to do better than last year.

I started the race at a good pace and stayed with Athleta’s Richard Chetcuti. Together we were leading the Maltese males’ race. After 7km we were caught but other two Maltese Runners, Athleta’s Mark Herrera and Agones’ Charlie Cilia. At this point I was feeling my legs getting tired and heavy. I was a bit surprised as it was a bit too early in the race to feel my legs in that way. Luckily I was in good shape and was running strong. All that downhill we had till that point was taking its effects on my legs.

I noticed that the two Athleta runners were struggling however Charlie Cilia was still running well. After 14km Cilia increased the pace and only I managed to keep his pace. From then on, we attacked each other several times but none of us was going to give up. I tried my last attack in the last kilometre but my legs were blocked and heavy. Charlie noticed it and attacked at 500m to go and went on to win the Maltese Males’ race in 1hr 12.30

I tried to respond to his sprint but my legs could not give more. I realised that I was going to do a very fast time. I sprinted as fast as I could and finished the race 5^th overall and 2^nd Maltese in a time of 1hr 12mins 52sec, a new personal best on the distance by 2mins 30sec. I am very happy with my performance. I was not expecting such a fast time as the race was part of my training schedule. The improvement over last year, confirm the progress on view to the forthcoming triathlon races.However am a bit disappointed of losing the first Maltese placing by a mere 20seconds again. The fact that I am triathlete and not a marathon runner was the main fact that I lost the race and also I did not peaked for the race.  However I want to congratulate Charlie on his deserved victory.

I would like to thank my coach Dermot Galea, my swimming coach Stan Ioan Catalin my sponsors Garmin Malta, Starbene Shop of Mosta, BBB Bike Parts – Malta, challenge Malta Marathon and Jaycee Malta, my club Birkirkara St Joseph especially our general secretary Euchar Camilleri, the Malta Triathlon Federation for the constant support, my parents and my wife’s parents. Thanks everyone for your support. Thanks to my dear wife Elizabeth for her constant support and her patience. Hope you enjoyed your birthday my love. Soon we will celebrate our first Wedding anniversary.

That’s all for now

Yours in Sports

Keith.