Kenyan runner Raphael Gacheru Karita set a new course record on his way to victory in the La Valette Half Marathon while his fellow compatriot Shadrack Kimaiyo took the honours in the men’s marathon on Sunday.
Over 5,000 runners were at the starting line for the 2026 La Valette Marathon, buoyed by good weather that made it easier to achieve a very fast time.
It was Karita who took all the plaudits in the 2026 edition when the Kenyan stormed to the finish line of the half-marathon in an impressive time of one hour, three minutes, and 16 seconds.
Karita completely dominated the race as he finished almost three minutes ahead of fellow compatriot Hillary Kiptum Kimaiyo who stormed home in 1:06.10.
Malta’s Dillon Cassar led Malta’s charge in the race when he completed the podium in one hour, eight minutes, and 17 seconds.
Karita was visibly delighted with his performance.
“I am so happy with the result,” he told Times of Malta.
“This is my first time here, and clocking a course record is very pleasing. Around the course, some hills made it more challenging for us, but overall, it was very good.
“It was a great experience for me, and surely if the organisers invite me again, I will be back next year to try and further improve my time.”
Dillon Cassar admitted he didn’t expect to run such a fast time and that the La Valette Marathon is getting faster each year, as reflected in the half-marathon times.
“Today we had great weather conditions for the runners who were competing on a very tough race course,” Cassar said.
“But I never thought I could achieve such a fast time, particularly as I took part in the race as part of a training programme for my upcoming races abroad. But from the outset, I felt really good, and it is very encouraging for me to clock such a time.
“It’s clear that the level of competition in this race was one of the best we ever had in Malta. If you look at the two Kenyan runners who finished ahead of me, they have personal bests of 1:01, which we don’t see much of here.
“But it’s a great race course with beautiful scenery that makes the experience more enjoyable.”
Cassar was followed home by two other Maltese runners, Charlton Debono, who was fourth in 1:11.59, while Tommy Wallbank was fourth in 1:12.13.
The women’s race was won by Valentine Jebet, of Kenya, in 1:12.29, ahead of Christine Mutua and Ciara Boyd-Squires.
One inspiring story during the race was that of Arielle Bonnici, who managed to finish the 5K race despite losing both her legs due to a medical condition.
“To finish this race means a lot to me and I feel really grateful,” Bonnici said.
“I hope that my presence here inspires other people who are facing difficult situations. I was born with a medical condition that left me not able to feel my arms and legs. Eventually, I lost my legs, but instead of feeling that it was the end of the road for me, it was the beginning of a new chapter in my career.
“I started to learn to walk again and run with blades, and that gave me a new lease of life. My message is very clear that when there are times that you feel down for what happened to you, try to find the fire in your heart to move forward and try to fulfil your dreams.”
The marathon saw Kenyan runners dominate the race with Kimaiyo storming home in 2:19.52, almost seven minutes faster than second-placed Bernard Kiprotich.
“I am very happy to have won the La Valette Marathon,” Kimaiyo said.
“The course was a bit tricky with a lot of hills and downhills, but overall I’m pleased with my display. I love to race in Malta, the weather is fantastic, and if I have the opportunity, there is no doubt that I will be back to defend my title next year.”
Chris Micallef was the first Maltese runner home in 2.50.22.
The women’s race was won by Rose Jepchumba, who stormed home in 2:40.30. Zuzanna Glombiowska was second, ahead of Kartarzyna Chojnacka.
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