Over 400 runners recently took part in the 40th edition of the Gozo Half Marathon.

Italian debutant Giacomo Fontanel won the men’s race in 1:20.58.

Fontanel was followed by Drew Lang, 1:21.12, and Gozitan Stefan Azzopardi, 1:24.46.

The first woman to cross the finish line was Jacqueline Booker at 1:39.28.

Karen Amato (1:41.13) was the runner-up with Sandra Schembri (1:42.22) placing third.

The race organisers – Gozo Half Marathon Committee – also held an eight-mile race which was won by ‘home’ runner Charlton Debono in 47.19.

Matthew Scicluna was second (47.47) and Alexander Schembri third in 49.13.

Charles Cilia currently holds the record for both the half marathon (2006 – 1:11.40) and the eight-mile race (2008 – 43.14).

In the women’s 8M, Roberta Schembri ran home first in 51.07 followed by Tara Abdilla (54.23) and Francesca Arrigo (59.09).

The sporting event in Gozo were not only reserved to runners as a 13.1 mile mountain bike race was also part of the day’s programme.

For the second year running, Kevin Muscat was first in 40:06. He pedalled ahead of Brandon Sultana (43:30) and Ryan Sultana (47:21).

The Xagħra Local Council, Ministry for Gozo, Malta Tourism Authority, San Michel, Gatorade, Fitness and Raysun assisted the organisers in this year’s programme of events.

The Gozo half marathon will be held on April 24 next year.