The fourth edition of the La Valette Marathon, powered by VisitMalta, will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
This was announced by Corsa CEO Matthew Pace during a press conference that was held in the presence of VisitMalta CEO Carlo Micallef.
The highly-anticipated marathon, now in its fourth year, continues to gain international recognition on the running calendar, garnering acclaim as one of Europe’s most scenic routes.
“We are pleased to launch the fourth edition of the La Valette Marathon, powered by VisitMalta,” Pace, the CEO of Corsa, the organisation behind the La Vallette Marathon, said.
“This event not only highlights Malta’s natural beauty and historical significance but also positions our country as a key destination for sports tourism.
“It is an AIMS-certified marathon featuring various race categories and is recognised as an Abbott World Marathon Majors qualifier.
“With participants growing two-fold year on year and tourism more than doubling, our continued partnership with VisitMalta was a natural progression.”
On his part, Micallef, the Malta Tourism Authority CEO, emphasised the unique appeal of the marathon, noting how it connects Malta’s rich history and cultural heritage with the vibrant spirit of sports tourism.
“Participation has increased year on year, demonstrating the appeal of this event,” he said.
“With participants from over 55 countries, Malta is firmly on the map as a scenic marathon destination in Europe.”
The La Valette Marathon offers a variety of races to cater to different levels of runners, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K races. Additionally, the event features a relay race and a 21-kilometre walkathon for those looking to experience the course at a leisurely pace.
Minister for Tourism and Public Cleanliness, Clayton Bartolo, commented on the economic and cultural significance of the marathon.
“The La Valette Marathon is not just a race; it’s a celebration of Malta’s heritage and community spirit,” he said.
“The influx of tourists from top markets like the UK, Poland, Germany, Italy, Spain, and long-haul markets, including Thailand, Canada, USA, China, Japan, and Brazil, speaks volumes about Malta’s growing reputation as a sports tourism destination.”
Drawing parallels with the growth of the marathon, increasing its participants and aggregate tourism year on year, a report from Technavio predicts that Europe will occupy a significant market share of the sports tourism industry, with 57% of growth expected to originate from Europe between 2020 and 2025.
In this period, the sports tourism market will grow by $890.9 billion (approx. €866.76 billion) at a compound annual growth rate of 13.37%. Races around Europe, like the La Valette Marathon, play a crucial role in this growth.
The marathon’s AIMS certification ensures that it meets international standards and offers participants a chance to qualify for the ABBOTT World Marathon Majors.
This recognition places the La Valette Marathon amongst other international races, further enhancing its appeal.
In the run-up to the race, the La Valette Marathon will represent Malta in expositions and other promotional activities, showcasing the island’s unique offerings to a broader audience.
Sponsored athletes like Dillon Cassar, who broke the national record for 5K at last Friday’s Beat your PB certified race, also organised by Corsa, together with other national athletes such as Andrew Grech and Clayton Abela, will represent Malta, further boosting the island’s profile on the global stage.
Pace concluded the press conference with a call to action.
“We invite all runners, athletes, and enthusiasts to join us for the La Valette Marathon in March 2025,” he said.
“Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or want to enjoy the stunning Mediterranean scenery, this marathon offers an unparalleled experience.”
For more information and to register, visit www.lavalettemarathon.com.
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