Over 300 athletes registered for next Sunday’s Gozo Half Marathon

Over 300 athletes have already registered their participation in the Gozo Half Marathon event, which is being held next Sunday, the 27th of April.

The half marathon, which starts from Xaghra Square, starts downhill, followed by a major uphill towards the centre of Victoria. A stretch of flat terrain, occasionally going steep, ensues, going through Sannat, Xewkija, Ghajnsielem and Qala.

The most challenging part has to be the last 6 miles of the race, with an uphill between Qala and Nadur, a downhill right after that and then a final uphill to arrive back at Xaghra square.

Challenging as it might seem, athletes deem the race as an experience to remember. As Alan Dickinson, a repeat race participant stated, “from lining up nervously in the glorious Xaghra village Square in the shadow of the stunning church, to stubbornly battling the tough course that belies the rustic beauty of the route for a couple of hours, to sipping ice cold beer back in the square for hours after the race with new friends – it truly is an uplifting experience.”

The number of foreign participants has been on the increase over the past few years, with athletes from 16 different countries taking part in one of this year’s races.

The event will see the participation of Drew Lang and Jacqueline Booker, title holders for the half marathon, as well as Jonathan Balzan and Doreen Camilleri, title holders for the 8 mile race.

While adults can participate in the 13.1 mile, 8 mile and 13.1 mile mountain bike races, children can take part in the 4km or 2km, depending on their ages. Registration for the 2 km Fun Run is open to all ages, making it possible for the whole family to participate and enjoy a day out.

All races start at 9.15am and conveniently start and end at the Xaghra Square. A total of 89 trophies will be awarded to the best performers.

Interested participants can register for any of the races online here ^[1].

Applications must be received by next Friday, the 25th of April, subject to late registration fees. The fee is inclusive of a participation medal, transport between Mgarr Ferry Terminal and Xaghra Square, as well as showering and sanitary facilities.

This year, thanks to the Malta Tourism Authority the Gozo Half Marathon Organising Committee will be offering a free half-day tour to all registered athletes on the eve of the event, Saturday, the 26th of April.

During the tour, participants will visit the following:

The fishing village of Marsalforn and the Qbajjar saltpans

The capital city of Gozo, Rabat (Victoria) and the Cittadella

The village of Xlendi, including Xlendi Tower

Dwejra Bay, to enjoy sunset views of Azure Window, Fungus Rock and the inland sea

The tour will also serve as an opportunity for first-time participants to view the half marathon route. A professional tour guide will be leading the tour.

The Tour will meet in Xaghra Square and the tour will be between 2.30pm and 6.30pm.

For logistical reasons, booking is required. Please email on info@gozomarathon.org ^[2] to reserve your place.

More details on the Gozo Half Marathon event can be viewed online at www.gozomarathon.org ^[3].