Josann Attard Pulis. Photo: Wally GaleaJosann Attard Pulis, winner of the Malta Marathon in February, was again racing the 42.195km distance on Sunday as she lined up for the UNESCO Cities Marathon in northern Italy.
The race is the only marathon in the world connecting two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Cividale del Friuli and Aquileia.
Cividale del Friuli was founded by Julius Caesar and later became the Lombard capital city while Aquileia is known as an ancient Roman city near the coast.
The picturesque route in Udine also passes through cobble roads in the city of Palmanova.
Attard Pulis ran the marathon in 3:04.30s, placing fifth overall and third in her age-group bracket.
She was beaten to the tape by two Russian runners, one from Serbia and an Italian.
The race was timed at various points and Attard Pulis clocked a new personal best of 1:26:53 for the half marathon distance.
“We had planned for a race in cold weather but the conditions were so hot on Sunday and that, perhaps, influenced my performance in the last part of the race,” Attard Pulis said.
Coach Mark Farrugia sounded satisfied with Attard Pulis’s race, particularly her timing for the half marathon distance.
“Her timings were impressive and this augurs well for future races,” he said.
“We knew this UNESCO race was tough but it was a useful learning experience for Josann, knowing this was only her second full marathon and the first one for her overseas.”
Attard Pulis thanked Athletics Malta, particularly general secretary Edwin Attard, for the assistance she received to race outside the country.