Moroccan runner Mohammed Hajy made it four wins in a row in the Malta Marathon when he crossed the line first in 2 hours 28.27 minutes.

In so doing, he failed to beat his own Marathon course record of 2:16.06, he established last year. But he was still satisfied with his performance. He said: “It was a beautiful race, as it always is. Despite failing to get the necessary support from my own friends – they all wanted to win though not interested in the time – I wanted to better my record of last year. I had hoped for a time of 2:14, but it was not possible doing it alone. Hope that it will be bettered next year, as I intend to come back for a fifth straight win.”

Second in was Italian Carmine Buccilli who clocked 2:20.01, while third was Laurence Geunard in 2:20.32.

First Maltese in was Jonathan Balzan who clocked 2:30, same as last year. “Having been injured in September, I knew I was not the favourite. But I still started fast and did well even if it was in the final 500 metres or so that I managed to overtake Andrew Grech who also did quite well. I think it was another successful run for me having reached this point at 41 years. I certainly cannot complain,” he said.

In the women’s event, Maltese girl Josanne Attard Pulis was the winner in a time of 3;00.20. Second was Ame Bitrou Gaillard in 3:14.27 and third another Maltese girl, Karen Xerri, who had a time of 3:17.10.

The Men’s Half Marathon was won by Ibrahim Hussein, a resident of Malta in 1 hour 10 minutes and 22 seconds. Second was Josef Xerri (Australia) in 1:11.47 and third G. Paddington of Great Britain. First Maltese in and fourth overall was Charles Cilia who clocked 1:12.32.

Cilia was very happy that he won the race among the Maltese runners. He is now 48 years, but is still raring to go. “Next Sunday I will be running the full marathon in Treviso, Italy, and then it will the Rome event in three weeks time. This was certainly a boost for me. I knew I had a chance and I really enjoyed the run,” he said.

Among the women, it was Italian Elga Caccialanza who finished first, followed by Paola Bernardo and lisa Ferrari. Caccialanza had a time of 1:20.13.

Caccialanza praised the Maltese for their hospitality. “It is my first time here, but not my last. I have been made very welcome and I hope to be back next year,” she said.

First Maltese girl home was Rita Galea of Mellieha AC in a time of 1:27. “It was my best time and what my Dutch coach Has Kesra requested of me. I never expected to win the event. Next year I will be here again, whether in the Half or Full Marathon,” she said.

The race started at Mdina Gate early in the morning and most of the athletes praised the course saying it was marvellous. There were some who said the wind had affected their running, but there was agreement that it was an excellent day for running.

At the finish in Sliema, thousands of fans greeted the athletes on their arrival with applause, although some of them had to be treated for injuries.