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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.