More than 550 athletes have already registered their participation in the Teamsport Gozo Half Marathon event, which is being held this coming Sunday, the 24th of April. The event includes a half marathon (13.1 mile), 8 mile, 4km, 2km and 2km fun run.

Foreign athletes from 32 countries will take part in this year's event – mostly they hail from other EU Member States, but there are also entries from USA, Australia, South America and Asia.

The event will see the participation of Drew Lang, Josann Attard Pulis and Jacqueline Booker, winners of previous editions of the half marathon.

The half marathon, which starts from Xaghra square, goes 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."

Applications will be received up until tomorrow, Friday, the 22nd of April, subject to late registration fees.

More details on participation in the event can be viewed online at www.gozomarathon.org.

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