Moroccan establishes new record in 'splash and run'

Rain and colourful paper showers ushered the start of the fifth Zurrieq (Malta) International Half Marathon on Sunday. A good number of athletes braved the inclement weather to run the popular race at the southeastern side of the island.

Leaving the locality's main square, runners splashed their way to Safi, Mqabba, Siggiewi and then back to Zurrieq via Blue Grotto Avenue, enjoying the spectacular seascapes. This year's race included various foreign runners among whom a very promising Moroccan, Aitbahmad Abdelghani.

He dominated the race from start to finish. Abdelghani swiftly strode along the roads with a group of local top runners, namely Charles Cilia, Brian Magri, Jonathan Balzan, David Galea and Peter Azzopardi, chasing him a few metres behind.

Positions merely changed, however, as Abdelghani crossed the finish line first clocking 1:12.48. Libertas runner Cilia was second (1:12.53) and Magri, of Athleta Pembroke, third (1:14.28).

It is interesting to note that both Abdelghani and Cilia clocked a better timing than the previous race record which stood at 1:12.54, achieved in 2000 by Herbert Steffny of Germany.

In the race for females, Charmaine Sciberras, of St Patrick's AC, strongly and surely had the lead throughout the race and eventually won in 1:26.20.

Cecilia Fenech, another St Patrick's AC runner, was second at 1:28.25.

Zurrieq Wolves' youngster Doreen Vella, just arriving from a full marathon in Berlin, was a remarkable third in 1:31.53.