Moroccan runners dominate record‑breaking Malta Marathon

Moroccan athletes delivered a commanding performance at this year’s Malta Marathon, sweeping the top positions in both the full and half‑marathon events. Marhoum Bilal and Mosaab Hadout claimed a memorable one‑two finish in the full marathon, while compatriot Hicham Laqouahi produced the standout moment of the day by smashing the half‑marathon course record with a remarkable time of 1:02:08, eclipsing the previous best of 1:02:50.

The event drew a record turnout of more than 7,000 participants, who set off in ideal weather conditions, although strong winds created challenges along parts of the route. Laqouahi led a fast Moroccan contingent, followed by Abdelkarim Ben Enzahra and Britain’s Charlie Brisley. Dillon Cassar was the first Maltese athlete to finish, clocking 1:04:56.

In the women’s half marathon, Morocco continued its dominance as Saoud Oumaima cruised to victory in 1:11:24, ahead of compatriot Asmid Fathia, with Romania’s Mihaela Robu placing third.

The full marathon saw Bilal and Hadout run side‑by‑side from Mdina to Sliema, crossing the line together in 2:17:03. Simon Spiteri finished third in 2:24:26, the fastest marathon time ever recorded by a Maltese runner, despite briefly being misdirected on the course.

Jemima Farley secured her third straight women’s marathon title, finishing in 2:40:16 to cap another impressive performance.

#MaltaDaily