La Valette Marathon – a race designed by runners for runners

Malta is a small archipelago of islands situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea.

Thanks to its location it has an unparalleled rich history, with three UNESCO World Heritage sites – including Ġgantija Temples – which are the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

Malta also boasts having one of the best climates in the world, with over 300 days of sunshine every year.

Due to its size – being one of the smallest countries in the world – it is easy to get around and explore the beautiful islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Malta has two official languages; Maltese and English, with English spoken almost everywhere, and Malta has daily European flight connections – only a few hours from most of Europe’s capitals.

All of these elements combined make Malta the perfect destination for a wide range of sports, particularly running.

The Intersport La Valette Malta Marathon was the brain-child of three members of the Malta running community who saw the potential of an internationally recognised marathon in Malta, and the opportunity to give participants a race experience that makes the most of Malta and its historic sites.

This is a race designed for runners, by runners.

Charlie Demanuele a five-time Mr Malta champion bodybuilder, five single and one-time double iron man triathlete and a seasoned coach who has tirelessly promoted triathlon and running in Malta.

Fabio Spiteri, besides being a popular coach himself, has accomplished no less than nine single, double and triple iron man triathlons, and completed an astonishing quintuple triathlon.

Matthew Pace is a keen runner, martial arts enthusiast and a respected businessman.

The route starts in the bustling cosmopolitan coastal town of Sliema.

Runners follow the coast to Malta’s capital city and UNESCO site Valletta.

The route circles the famous Triton Fountain which sits just outside the city gates, and then runners follow the bastions around the city.

From there the race follows the coastline of the world’s second largest natural harbour, through the docks and at this point full runners of the full marathon head down to the south of the Island, before rejoining the half marathon participants to a glorious finish in the Three Cities.

The route has been measured, approved and listed by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, making it Malta’s only internationally recognised full marathon.

The second edition of the Intersport La Valette Malta Marathon takes place on February 5, 2023.

The Intersport La Valette Malta Marathon is supported by Visit Malta. For more details on the race and registration log onto https://corsa.mt or send a whatsapp message on 79979999.

The La Valette Marathon at a glance…

• Established 2021
• Named after Fra’ Jean “Parisot” de la Valette was a French nobleman and 49th Grand Master of the Order of St John, from 21 August 1557 to his death in 1568, who lead the knights and people of Malta to victory over the Ottoman’s Great Siege of 1565 – and went on to build Valletta on the site of The Great Siege.
• La Valette’s birthday is on February 4, 1495, the weekend of the Intersport La Valette Malta Marathon
• Start point of the Half and Full Marathon is Tower Road, Sliema
• Finish point of the Half and Full Marathon distance is Birgu, The Three Cities
• The Full Marathon distance is 42.29km, with 298mts ascent and 315 mts descent
• The Half Marathon distance is 21.17km, with 298mts ascent and 315 mts descent
• Both Marathons pass through the capital of Malta Valletta
• The Intersport La Valette Malta Marathon is accredited by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races)
• The Intersport La Valette Malta Marathon is Malta’s only internationally recognised Full Marathon
• In its first year (2022, the Intersport La Valette Malta Marathon had participants from 28 countries
• Fastest Male Half Marathon – Charlton Debono: 1:12:19
• Fastest Female Half Marathon – Rosalie Borg: 1:26:07
• Fastest Male Full Marathon – Matthew Xuereb: 2:48:24
• Fastest Female Full Marathon – Jemima Farley: 2:50:58
• Categories: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Full Marathon Relay (x 4 equal stages), Half Marathon Relay (x 4 equal stages), Half Marathon Walkathon