Veteran Wolves runner Debono conquers all five majors

In running the 116th Boston Marathon last month, Żurrieq Wolves veteran Alfred Debono has become the first Maltese to complete the so-called five World Marathon Majors.

These are the marathons in London (where he achieved a personal best of 2:47:32), Berlin, Chicago, New York and Boston.

In April, Debono ran four races in the US and Canada over successive weekends. His feat included two marathons, a four-mile run and a 10km race. In the process, he won two of his categories and placed third in another race.

In scorching heat in Boston, with temperatures soaring above 32C, Debono crossed the finishing line in 03:45:58.

His timing did not attract particular attention but Debono’s feat gains in significance, given that more than 15 per cent of registered participants opted out before the start and a further 10 per cent of starters ended up receiving medical attention due to the excessive weather conditions.

Elsewhere, Debono was classified third in the Over-60 category at the City Parks Foundation Run (organised by the prestigious New York Road Runners Club), clocking 25:34.

This year, the renowned four-mile race had a participation of over 7,300 runners and Debono was first runner home in his age bracket.

He then placed second overall in the Game of Life Run (10km) at Toronto’s Ashbridge’s BayPark

Debono also won the Over-60 race and a creditable 83rd position out of 2,600 starters at the Goodlife Fitness Marathon in Toronto.

He clocked 3:09:13.

This excellent result is further testament to the impact the adverse hot temperatures had on Debono and the rest of the field in Boston.

Debono has now completed 23 marathons, 18 of which overseas.

During his latest trip to North America, he was assisted by Medcomms and Gasan Mamo Insurance.