Carmen Hili at the finish line.

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, which got under way early in the morning in Mdina and finished at the Sliema Ferries.

Italy-based Hajjy was the main protagonist in the 42.2km race after defying the tricky windy conditions along the route to cross 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.

Hajjy, 33, succeeded in shattering the course record of the Malta Marathon at the second attempt. Last year, he came close to setting a new mark after winning the race in 2:19.04, just 26 seconds outside the old record.

Speaking to The Times after last year’s marathon, he promised to return and shatter the record. Yesterday, Hajjy delivered on his pledge.

“I’m really satisfied with my performance today,” Hajjy said.

“Setting a new record was my main goal and I focused my preparation on reaching this target. Two months ago, I travelled to Efraim in Morocco for some intensive training and no doubt my hard work has reaped dividends.”

Record man... Moroccan runner Mohammed Hajjy stops his watch after winning the Malta Marathon in a record time of 2:16.06 yesterday. Photos: Paul Zammit Cutajar

Despite his excellent feat, Hajjy is by no means resting on his laurels and is already setting higher targets for next year.

“I’m pleased with my time today but I still believe I can go faster,” he said.

“My best time for a marathon is two hours 13 minutes and I have no doubt that I can achieve that time here and I’m setting that target for next year’s race.”

Jonathan Balzan was again the first Maltese athlete home when he placed fourth in 2:28.43. The St Patrick’s runner was visibly elated at his result.

“I’m lost for words really as I never expected this result,” Balzan, who has been battling a series of niggling injuries, said.

“The past few weeks have been very difficult for me but all the hard work in training has paid off.

“I’m delighted with my time today as it was one of my fastest marathons for several years.

“At 40, I feel that I’m getting closer to retiring from competitive racing and to achieve this result in what could be my last home marathon is fantastic.

“Now, I’m planning to travel to the UK to take part in the London Marathon in April and this could be my last official race.”

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.

“I’m on cloud nine,” an emotional Hili said.

“This is the first time I managed to break the three-hour barrier in a marathon and it’s difficult to find words to express my feelings.

“This has been a very positive season for me, during which I’ve also won the Malta International Challenge Marathon, and I have to thank my coach Ivan Rozhnov and my family for such results.

“I’m now targeting the Paris marathon in April where I hope I can further improve today’s personal best.”