Gozo half marathon on April 27

The Gozo Amateur Athletics Association, in conjunction with Athletics Malta, the Xaghra Local Council and the Ministry for Gozo, will be holding the 33rd edition of the Gozo Half Marathon on Sunday, April 27.

The 13.1-mile race starts at 9.45 a.m. from Xaghra. The picturesque route heads to Marsalforn, Victoria, Sannat, Xewkija, Ghajnsielem, Qala, Nadur and back to starting point.

The event organisers will also hold an eight-mile race and two short races over two and four kilometres on the same day of the half marathon.

All races start and finish at the Xaghra square.

The organisers said in a statement that 95 trophies will be distributed to the various winners in different categories including the top three Gozitan runners home in each of the four races.

The main sponsors on the day will be San Michel water, Red Bull and McDonald's.

The 2007 Gozo half marathon winner was Jonathan Balzan. He covered the distance in 1:14.09. The record for the race belongs to Charles Cilia, winner of three Gozo half marathons. His best time is 1:11.40.

One may obtain more details from www.gozohalfmarathon.org or by phoning 21-563737, 9986-2096 and 7959-2951.