Il-Ġirja t'Għawdex by Run Gozo

For another consecutive year, a record-breaking number of athletes participated in the Teamsport Gozo Half Marathon. Over 1,450 athletes took part in the event. The event was spread over two days, with the first ever Race Expo in the Maltese islands taking place at Ggantija Temples on Saturday 27th April, followed by the competitive 4K and 2K kids races. On Sunday 28th April, apart from the half marathon, the event also included for the first time a 10K race and 10K walkathon, and 5K family run and 5K walkathon, and a 2K family run. Apart from the numerous Maltese and Gozitan families which were present, the event also attracted an increasing number of foreigners. The 44th edition of the half marathon was won by Spanish national , who clocked in at (01:13:18:904) and was the winner closest to beating Charles Cilia’s 2006 Half marathon’s record of 01:11:40. He was followed by Gozitan Stefan Azzopardi ( and multiple time title winner Drew Lang (01:22:17:087). Maltese national Josann Attard Pulis, who is also the current female record holder of the half marathon (01:27:32:300 in 2016) was the first lady to cross the finish at 01:30:03:785. Following her in second place and third place were Gozitan Jolene Debattista (01:42:24:950) and British national Sarah Holland (01:43:16:701). Gozitan Charlton Debono was the first male to cross the finish of the first edition of the 10K race at 00:35:07:676, closely followed by Matthew Cutajar (00:36:57:414) and Neil Brimmer (00:37:19:414). Joelle Cortis finished first female in the 10K race at 00:40:32:387 followed by Gianella Bugeja (00:44:56:108) and Gozitan Felicienne Mercieca (00:46:43:847). Credit : Gozo Half Marathon Isaac Bonnici (00:15:06:139) and Kyla Farrugia (00:15:49:414) placed first boy and first girl overall in the 4K race respectively. Nahor Grima was the first Gozitan boy to cross the finish the finish line at 00:16:03:639, whilst Keira Attard was the first Gozitan girl in at 00:17:55:122; both placing second overall boy and girl respectively. In the 2K race, Andrea Incorvaja placed first boy overall at 00:07:07:947 while Gozitan Leah Said placed first girl overall at 00:07:52:442. Robbie Formosa, who placed 2nd boy overall, was the first Gozitan boy to cross the finish line at 00:07:21:947. A full list of results and winners can be viewed online at www.gozomarathon.org. Next year’s event will be taking place on 25-26th April 2020. Early bird applications are already being accepted. The event is proudly supported by Teamsport, Diadora, Ministry for Gozo, Malta Tourism Authority, Heritage Malta, San Michel, Gozo Express Services and Xaghra Local Council.

Credit : Shaun Sultana (Captured Memories) The Gozo Half Marathon Organising Committee proudly announces that the 10K race has been awarded the 5-Star Race Certification by European Athletics, the governing body for athletics in Europe, which is the highest possible quality award. Mark Bonnici, President said “This is a testament that hard work and volunteering can reap great results not only for ourselves as a team, but also for the island of Gozo, which we all love so much. This certification is another commitment for higher standards of our races to ensure better athletes’ experience.” European Athletics assessed 10k race on a total of 54 categories that cover Administration and Finance, Course, Environmental and Social Responsibilities, Measurement, Medical, Results, Safety, Services and Timing. Moreover, to ensure that impartiality and fairness during the review process, European Athletics consulted our team (as organizers), various runners, the European Athletics Member Federations and competition and medical experts, to ensure that the entire race is up to the required high standards. In 2017, the Teamsport Gozo Half Marathon was awarded the 3-Star Certification by European Athletics. Back then, the half marathon was the first road race in the Maltese Islands to be awarded this prestigious award. Quoting the official website of European Athletics (https://www.european- running4all.org/en/events/teamsport-gozo-half-marathon/): “If you are up to one of the most challenging 10K races on the Islands, then this is the one you should definitely try. The race passes continuously through uneven terrain in between nature, valleys and urban areas, but one thing is absolutely certain, the sheer satisfaction you will feel when crossing the finish line is indescribable.” Registrations for the Teamsport Gozo Half Marathon, 10k, Walks, Kids and Family fun runs are open until 25th April 2019 on www.gozomarathon.org. The Gozo Half Marathon Organizing Committee is being proudly supported by Teamsport, Diadora, Ministry for Gozo, Malta Tourism Authority, Heritage Malta, San Michel, Gozo Express Services and Xaghra Local Council. The Gozo Half Marathon has been supported by the Ministry for Gozo NGO Assistance Scheme, a funding programme for Voluntary Organisations on the Island of Gozo.