Jimmy Sacco of Birkirkara St Joseph AC won the Gozo Half Marathon recently in a time of one hour 17 minutes and six seconds.

It was another successfully organised event in which 310 athletes took part in the various categories and events which also included an eight-mile race around several Gozitan towns and villages, 4km, 2km and the fun runs.

Second placed in the Half Marathon was Andrew Grech, last year’s winner, in a time of 1:19.36.

The first woman home was Gillian Grech in 1:38.44 while the first Gozitan was Carmel Camilleri (the Sannat mayor) in 1:37.10.

Drew Lang won the 8-mile race for a record sixth consecutive time. In a most sporting manner, Lang offered the trophy to the last placed athlete who finished the event while the presentation ceremony was going on. It was Fr Anton Refalo who was the pioneer of this event and has taken part in all the previous editions.

Daniel John Attard won the 4km reserved for children between 12 and 16 years. Emmanuel Borg was first in the Under 14, Neil Vella first Gozitan Under 14, Elena Attard first Gozitan female Under 14, Simon Spiteri first in the Under 13, Denise Law first girl in the Under 13. Michael Bezzina was first Gozitan in the Under 13.

The 2km for the youngsters saw Daniel Cassar and Jana Pace Cocks winning the category in the male and female sections respectively. Joseph Scerri won the Under 11 while Christine Scerri was the first girl, also in the Under 11. Alex Theuma was the first Gozitan athlete in.

The Gozo Amateur Athletic Association organised the event in collaboration with the Xaghra Local Local and the Xaghra Youth Centre. It was sponsored by San Michel Mineral Water and Red Bull.