New records at Malta Marathon

Moroccan runner Mohammed Hajjy and Carmen Hili again stole the limelight at the 2013 Land Rover Malta Marathon after retaining their respective titles in impressive fashion yesterday.

A record 3,200 participants took part in yesterday’s three events , the marathon, half marathon and walkathon.

Hajjy crossed the finish line in a new record time of two hours 16 minutes and six seconds . . . a staggering two minutes and 32 seconds faster than the previous record of 2: 18.38 set by Kenyan Jonathan Kipchumba in 2008.

Abdelhakim Elfelhi also managed to beat the old record when reaching the gantry in 2:18.16 while Abdelekrim Kabbouri completed an all Moroccan podium when taking third place in 2: 28.07.

Jonathan Balzan was again the first Maltese athlete home when he placed fourth in 2: 28.43.

Hili was another outstanding performer yesterday as the veteran St Patrick’s athlete defended her title in emphatic fashion, breaking the three-hour barrier to take first place in two hours 56 minutes and 40 seconds.

Britain’s Nicky Green took second place in 2: 58.36 while Birkirkara St Joseph’s Michelle Vella Wood completed the podium when clocking 3: 15.20.