Hungarian runner Jozsa Gabor took the honours in the Malta Half Mara-thon yesterday after clocking a new personal best for the distance.

As happened in the longer race yesterday, there was a strong Maltese presence on the podium in the ladies’ half marathon as the resilient Angele Sammut breasted the tape first ahead of Doreen Camilleri with French runner Elise Hurteaux third.

Gabor was here as part of his build-up for the Rome marathon next month and he got the response he wanted as the 28-year-old was a clear winner in a personal best time of 1:07.31.

“When applying for this race I was only thinking about Rome on March 18,” Gabor, whose sister works in Malta, said.

“I only arrived on Saturday and found perfect weather conditions unlike the freezing temperatures we have at home. I really like this course even though the last five kilometres were somewhat very testing due to the windy conditions and some problems caused by heavy traffic.

“All in all, this was a pleasant experience and I won’t rule out a return especially if my sister is still around next year.”

England’s Garry Pennigton placed second (1:10.44) and the returning Clive Gerada third in 1:12.54.

Gerada wore a broad smile at the finish.

“I have been away from the sport six years but it seems that my coach Ivan Rozhnov has done a fine job after I decided to start running again.

“You can’t do this by yourself so I’m really grateful for the support of those nearest to me. My next goal now is to represent Malta at the GSSE.”

The absence of Carol Walsh, who opted not to compete in a race held in memory of her late husband and event organiser John Walsh, opened the competition wide open.

In the end, it was Sammut who won the day in 1:24.27. Camilleri was second in 1:26.26 and Hurteaux almost one minute slower in 1:27.22.

“I had managed a podium finish before at half marathon but never a first place so this will go down as my best ever race,” Sammut said.

“I always believed that if I continued to train hard my moment would come. True, this is a just reward of my patience and persistence.”