Mohammed Hajjy won the marathon for the sixth time in his career. Photos: Wally Galea

Moroccan Mohammed Hajjy regained the Vodafone Malta Marathon title he lost last year when coming home first in yesterday’s 32nd running of the race crossing the line in jubilant mood and ahead of the 900 starters, most of them foreigners.

The women’s race was won by Josann Attard Pulis, her second success in a row at the marathon.

Hajjy ran the 42km distance from Mdina to Sliema in a time of 2.21.06, making it six wins in this race as he continues to hold the record which stands at 2.16.06, set in 2013.

Last year, Hajjy did not even make it to the podium as he placed fourth but this time round he lived up to expectations, having started the race as top favourite to reach the gantry.

“I am very happy with this result,” an elated Hajjy told Times of Malta.

Josann Attard Pulis – winner of the women’s marathon.

“I won this race before but it is still not easy to repeat the feat. Now, I feel that this marathon is mine, and every year I train to win it.”

Hajjy set the pace from the early stages, increasing his lead consistently over nearest pursuers Yassine Kabbouri, of Morocco, and Latvian Dmitrjis Serjongis who eventually placed second and third, respectively.

Apart form his performance and result, Hajjy was also pleased with the organisation.

“The race organisation was smooth and also the public, they were great, supporting the runners continuously throughout the race.’’

Andrew Grech was the first Maltese runner to finish the marathon.

Andrew Grech was the first Maltese runner to cross the finish line just ahead of veteran Jonathan Balzan.

Grech came home in sixth place overall following a personal best of 2.28.16.

Attard Pulis’s time was 2.58.13, falling two minutes short of the national record which belongs to her and established last year. 

She was followed by Catherine Chetcuti in 3.11.44 for the two local runners to fill the highest steps on the women’s podium.

Czech runner Jana Ba completed the top positions. She finished the race some three minutes behind Chetcuti.