Xuereb, Harmes win inaugural Intersport La Valette Marathon

Charlton Debono, Rosalie Borg top half marathon

Matthew Xuereb and Erwin Harmes are the winners of the inaugural edition of the Intersport La Valette Marathon that was held on Sunday.

The inaugural edition of the marathon saw participants register to take part in either the full marathon, the half marathon and a walkathon with the starting line set at the Sliema Seafront and end their efforts in front of the Freedom Monument in Vittoriosa.

In the full marathon, Żurrieq Wolves runner Matthew Xuereb crossed the finish line first in two hours 48 minutes and 24 seconds.

Erwin Harmes, of Pro Running Team, placed second in 2:49.26 while Jeremy Fenech completed the podium in 2:56.41.

The women’s race was dominated by Ladies Running Club runner Jemima Farley who stormed home first in two hours 50 minutes and 58 seconds.

Catherine Chetcuti secured the runners-up spot in 3:21.26 while the returning Josann Attard Pulis finished third in in 3.30.13.

In the half marathon race, Evolve Endurance Club runner Charlton Debono produced a strong performance to top the race in one hour 12 minuts and 19 seconds.

Team-mate Chris Micallef was second in 1:13.21 while Andrew Grech placed third in 1:13.43.

The women’s race saw Rosalie Borg, of Pembroke Athleta, take the honours in 1:26.07. Krista Kuusijarvi, of Team Fabio, was second in 1:28.17 ahead of Endurance Evolve Club’s Charyl Fava who rounded of the podium in 1:30.19.