On Sunday, March 22, thousands of runners will gather before sunrise to take part in The ElectroGas La Valette Marathon powered by Visit Malta.
The race features several distances designed to appeal to runners of different abilities, including the Marathon (42.2km), Half Marathon (21.1km) 10km, 5km, Walkathon and 5km Corporate race.
What began as the brainchild of co-founder Matthew Pace has evolved into a landmark race attracting both local athletes and an increasingly international field.
In just five years, the event has experienced remarkable growth.
The first edition welcomed 747 participants, followed by 909 runners in year two.
By its third year, participation had surged to 2,011, and the fourth edition saw the race expand dramatically to 4,039 runners.
Now, in its fifth year, The ElectroGas La Valette Marathon powered by Visit Malta is expected to exceed 5,200 participants, marking a milestone for the event and firmly establishing it on the international running calendar.
Behind this rapid rise is the dedicated team at Corsa.
The event is led by Matthew Pace, Managing Director and CEO, together with Francesca Scerri, Logistics Director, Marc Stafrace, Marketing Director, and Michela Pace, Social Media Manager. Together, they have worked to build a race that not only celebrates sport but also showcases Malta’s heritage and landscapes to a global audience.
One of the defining characteristics of The ElectroGas La Valette Marathon powered by Visit Malta is its international outreach.
This year, 83% of participants are travelling from abroad, representing an impressive 77 different nationalities.
For many of these runners, the race offers a unique opportunity to combine competitive running with the experience of discovering Malta’s historic streets, coastal views, and cultural landmarks.
The race features several distances designed to appeal to runners of different abilities, including the full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km, and 5km.
What makes these races particularly significant is that they are officially certified, making The ElectroGas La Valette Marathon powered by Visit Malta the only certified marathon on the Maltese Islands. The half-marathon, 10km, and 5km courses are also certified.
The certification adheres to the standards of AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races).
These regulations ensure that the courses meet strict international requirements, including that elevation loss does not exceed 1% of the race distance and that the distance between the start and finish points does not exceed half the race distance. These standards guarantee fairness and accuracy in race measurements, making the courses eligible for official record recognition.
This certification is particularly important for competitive athletes aiming to achieve personal bests or national records. Only times recorded on certified courses can be officially recognised for such achievements.
A recent example is Gabriel Farrugia, who broke the national record at the Beat Your PB by Dillon race organised by Corsa just last week by clocking 10kms in 30 minutes 14th seconds.
Because the race adhered to certified course standards, the record could be officially recognised.
Events like The ElectroGas La Valette Marathon powered by Visit Malta offer athletes the same opportunity to achieve performances that count on the international stage.
Beyond its competitive significance, the race is also renowned for its scenic course. Participants run through a route that combines Malta’s Mediterranean coastline, historic fortifications, and urban landscapes.
The race culminates at Fort St Angelo, a location steeped in centuries of history and one of the most iconic landmarks on the islands.
However, creating such a route is far from simple. Organising a 42.2km loop-free marathon in a country as compact as Malta presents considerable logistical challenges. The island itself measures just 26 kilometres across, meaning that designing a marathon course without repeating any roads is a complex task.
In fact, no section of the course is run more than once, making the route both unique and demanding to coordinate.
Managing road closures, ensuring runner safety, and maintaining traffic flow across such a densely populated area requires extensive planning and collaboration with authorities.
Experience
Francesca Scerri, the race’s Logistics Director, leads the operational effort to coordinate these elements, ensuring that the event runs smoothly for both runners and residents.
The organisers are also encouraging the public to be part of the experience, and as happens in our counties, encourage and cheer on the participants in completing their races and enjoying the experience.
Events like The ElectroGas La Valette Marathon powered by Visit Malta rely not only on the athletes and organisers but also on the support of the community.
Spectators lining the streets, cheering from balconies, and applauding runners as they pass provide an invaluable boost to participants during the race.
For runners tackling the marathon distance, those moments of encouragement can make all the difference, particularly in the later stages when fatigue sets in.
The organisers, therefore, invite residents and visitors alike to come out on race morning and help create an atmosphere that reflects Malta’s welcoming spirit.
As the fifth edition approaches, The ElectroGas La Valette Marathon powered by Visit Malta stands as a testament to how quickly a sporting event can grow when supported by strong organisation, international standards, and community enthusiasm.
From its modest beginnings to welcoming more than five thousand runners from around the world, the race has become a powerful showcase of sport, heritage, and Maltese hospitality.
On March 22, the streets of Malta will once again belong to the runners – but the celebration will belong to everyone.
For more info log on https://lavalettemarathon.com/
Author
