Months of preparation culminated in a dash from the Mdina bastions to Sliema yesterday, as 3,600 runners competed in the annual full and half marathons.

The overcast weather led many of the runners to don ponchos, but one runner gave his carnival outfit an early showing by sporting a Roman centurion helmet.

Moroccan Mohammen Hajjy was the first person to complete the 21km course, taking his total tally of Malta marathon wins to three.

African refugee Ibrahim Hussen Ahmed won the half-marathon.

Jonathan Balzan was the first Maltese person to cross the finish line in 7th place.

Motorists experienced delays and deviations in various localities, with the Police and Local Wardens charged with ensuring that the show ran smoothly.

Over the years changes to the route have been made to avoid areas notable for traffic congestion.