Steve Chetcuti and Josann Attard Pulis were the first runners home in their respective categories at this year’s Gozo Half Marathon.

The 41st edition of the race, sponsored by TeamSport, was held on Sunday with the start and finish lines at Xagħra.

Organisers reported close to 650 athletes took part in one of the events in programme on the day.

Chetcuti clocked 1:17:47. He was followed by Frenchman Benoit Thuaire (1:18:36) and Matthew Cutajar (1:18:37).

Attard Pulis, who established a new personal best when coming home second in the Malta Marathon in February, covered the distance in Gozo in 1:27:32.

Jacqueline Booker (1:39:11) was second and British national Cheryl Evans (1:40:05) third.

Veteran Charlie Cilia, record holder of the Gozo half marathon, was the winner of the eight-mile run in 45:29. Matthew Scicluna was the runner-up in 47:18 ahead of Alexander Schembri, 47:42.

The women’s eight-mile race was won by Doreen Camilleri (55:22) followed by Francesca Arrigo, 57:22, and Tara Abdilla 1:00:46.

The other races on the day were 2km, 4km and two-kilometre fun run.

In a statement, the Gozo Half Marathon organisers said participants had expressed satisfaction with the smooth running of the races, with most of the athletes, including those from overseas, showing keen interest to return next year.

In 2017, the Gozo Marathon and complimentary races will be taking place on April 30.