Charlton Debono, Oksana Riabova win 42nd edition of Teamsport Gozo Half Marathon

A record breaking of around 820 athletes participated in this year’s Teamsport Gozo Half Marathon. The 42nd edition of the half marathon was won by Gozitan Charlton Debono, who clocked in at 01:17:16:184 followed by Matthew Cutajar (01:20:14:672) and by Alan Camilleri (01:20:18:914).

The first lady that crossed the half marathon finish line was Ukranian national Oksana Riabova at 01:33:49:822. Following her in second place was Marica Micallef (01:34:56:313) and in third place British national Catherine Cutajar (01:36:51:807).

Gozitan Stefan Azzopardi finished first in the 8 mile race at 00:45:33:406. Matthew Scicluna was second in at 00:45:42:657 while Jonathan Balzan was third in at 00:46:25:656. Maria Gerada finished first female in the 8 mile race at 00:55:18:837 followed by Francesca Arrigo 00:56:43:579 and Gozitan Francienne Mercieca (00:59:06:312).

Apart from the half marathon and the 8 mile, the event also included a 4km, 2km and 2km Fun Run. Jacob Greengrass (00:14:21:131) and Pamela Camilleri (00:19:26:839) placed first boy and first girl overall respectively. In the 2km race, Fabian Grech-Manz placed first boy overall at 00:07:08:436 while Leah Said placed first girl overall at 00:08:21:166. St Patrick’s Athletic Club won the award for club with most participants.

Participants have expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the event, with both seasoned athletes and local and foreign enthusiasts already planning to participate next year. Next year’s event will be taking place on Sunday 29th April 2018. A full list of results and winners can be viewed online at www.gozomarathon.org.