Over 900 athletes from 30 nations will be arriving on Gozo this weekend for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship.

The championship is organised locally by X-Tribe UN ltd, who have been bringing XTERRA to Gozo for 12 consecutive years.

The Ghajnsielem Local Council said that this weekend, the Maltese Islands take their place on the global sporting map as Gozo hosts the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship – welcoming over 900 participants from 30 countries to experience the rugged beauty of Gozo’s trails, its people, and its spirit.

Athletes have travelled from across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond – many accompanied by family and friends who are making the trip a full Maltese experience.

The Council said that for two days, Ghajnsielem will become the ”beating heart of the world trail-running community.” The Race Village will come alive on Friday and Saturday with energy, colour, and the shared excitement that only a world championship can bring – watched by a passionate online audience following every step on social media from across the globe.

The Race Village in Ghajnsielem will be the social hub of the championship, bringing together competitors and spectators alike in a festive atmosphere that celebrates not just athletic achievement, but the warmth and hospitality Malta and Gozo are renowned for.

The Ghajnsielem Local Council said that the weekend culminates on Saturday evening with the Awards Ceremony – ”a moment of celebration for all participants, where champions are crowned and every finisher is recognised for the extraordinary effort it takes to compete on the world stage.”

The organisers extended their sincere gratitude to the Malta Tourism Authority, the Ghajnsielem Local Council, the Ministry for Gozo, and the Ghajnsielem Parish and all the sponsors – ”whose support, coordination, and belief in this event have been instrumental in making the XTERRA World Championship a reality on Gozitan soil.”

This year, the XTERRA International team travelled to Gozo to contribute directly to the event’s success, bringing with them the global expertise and standards that define one of the world’s most iconic trail running brands, the organisers said.

”Together, they have created an event that not only showcases Gozo’s extraordinary natural terrain but reinforces Malta’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for international sporting events,” the organisers said.

Friday, 8 May – Race Village Opens, Ghajnsielem

All day Race Village open at Ghajnsielem – athlete registration, bib collection, expo, sponsors, community atmosphere

Community Run 5K Discovery Run followed by coffee (start 08:00) – open to all.

Evening Opening Ceremony at Ghajnsielem Square – spectacular light show, music, food, and the official welcome of athletes from 30 nations

Saturday, 9 May – Race Day, Ghajnsielem

06:00 Race Village opens – athlete warm-up, final preparations, community gathering

07:00 Trail Marathon (51K World Championship & Open 50K) sets off – a full circumnavigation of Gozo tracing coastal cliffs, ancient villages, and hidden bays

08:00 Shuttle departs for 12K Open Trail Run start (Dahlet Qorrot) – start at 09:00

09:30 Shuttle departs for Half Marathon start (Xwejni) – World Championship & Open 21K start at 10:45

Afternoon Finishers arrive. Final cut off time for all races is 17:00

Evening World Championship Awards Ceremony and Dinner – world titles awarded in all age divisions for Trail Half Marathon and Trail Marathon.

Later there will be music, light shows, race highlights, and the full XTERRA community celebration at the Race Village

The organisers said that th Race Village and finish line area in Ghajnsielem are open to the public – spectators, family, and local community are warmly welcome to cheer athletes home and enjoy the festival atmosphere throughout both days.

Photo: Ghajnsielem Local Council

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