Malta Marathon
The Lowdown
The Malta Marathon, held each winter on the sunlit Mediterranean island, has grown since its inception in the 2010s into one of the region’s most popular road races, drawing a mix of local runners, visiting Europeans, and international marathoners looking for a scenic early-season test. The event showcases Malta’s rich history and compact geography, with a course designed to pass historic towns, seaside promenades and limestone countryside. Organizers emphasize a friendly, well-supported race village and logistics tailored to holiday-season travelers, making it both a competitive race and a destination event for runners and their families. The course highlights include extended stretches along the eastern coast offering uninterrupted sea views, historic promenades in towns such as Sliema and St. Julian’s, and quieter inland sections that reveal traditional Maltese villages and rolling limestone terraces. Runners experience a mix of flat and gently undulating terrain, typically benefitting from mild February temperatures and limited rainfall. Aid stations are frequent and enthusiastic local supporters line key sections, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere from start to finish. The race is organized to international standards — it is AIMS certified and listed as a Boston Marathon qualifying course — with clear signage, reliable timing, and medical support to ensure a safe and legitimate marathon experience.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Men's course record: Redouan Nouiri runs 2:13:18
Feb 26, 2023Redouan Nouiri set a new Malta Marathon men's course record when he won the 38th edition in 2:13:18, breaking the previous mark of 2:16:06. His performance remains the fastest official marathon time recorded on the current Malta Marathon course.
Jemima Farley sets women's course record in wet conditions (2:35:41)
Feb 25, 2024Jemima Farley defended her title and lowered the women's Malta Marathon record to 2:35:41 at the 39th edition despite heavy rain. The performance improved on her 2023 time (around 2:36) and stands as the official women's course record.
Record participation and 40th edition draw 5,100 runners
Feb 23, 2025The 40th LifeStar Malta Marathon recorded its largest-ever turnout with approximately 5,100 registered participants from around 80 countries. Organisers highlighted the growth as they positioned the event to attract stronger elite fields for future editions, including the 2026 race on 22 February 2026.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Valletta
The historic capital and UNESCO site, runners pass the city gates and enjoy views over the Grand Harbour
Triton Fountain
Iconic fountain at Valletta Gate often used as a prominent landmark near the race start area
Fort St. Elmo
16th-century coastal fortification at the tip of the peninsula, visible as the course skirts the harbour
Sliema Promenade
Long seafront promenade with views across Marsamxett Harbour toward Valletta
St. Julian's / Spinola Bay
Lively bayside district with cafés and traditional fishing boats, a popular spectator spot
Balluta Bay
Picturesque bay with a prominent parish church and rocky promenade section
Marsaxlokk
Traditional fishing village known for colorful luzzu boats and a scenic harbour (on the southern stretch of the course)
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Malta, Malta
MT
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day to enter the full marathon
- Entrants must complete the official online registration and pay the entry fee by stated deadlines
- All participants must provide accurate personal details and present valid photo ID at bib collection
- Medical clearance or confirmation of fitness to run is strongly recommended; those with known medical conditions should consult a physician before entering
- Race entry is non-transferable and refunds are not available except as specified in the organiser's terms
- Runners must comply with event rules, marshal instructions and course cut-off times (typical full marathon cut-off ~6 hours)
- Participants must wear their official race bib visibly on the front for the entire race
- Athletes requiring special assistance must notify organisers in advance; wheelchair or handcycle entries allowed only where explicitly permitted and pre-approved by organisers
- No animals, personal pacing vehicles, or wheeled assistance (strollers, rollerblades) are permitted on the course
- By entering, participants agree to use of their image for race promotion and to the organiser's privacy and safety policies
Required Documents
- Photo ID (passport or national ID)
- Medical certificate/doctor's note confirming fitness to run
- Proof of age (passport, birth certificate or ID)
- Signed liability waiver/consent form
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Club/Team Entry
- On-site/Late Registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Entry transfers to another runner allowed until 28 days before the race with a €15 administrative fee
Deferral to the next edition allowed until 28 days before the race with a €15 deferral fee
If the race is cancelled due to force majeure (e.g., extreme weather, government restrictions), entries will be rolled over to the next edition or a partial refund/credit may be offered at the organiser's discretion
The Malta Marathon features a scenic course that passes coastal roads and historic towns, offering runners sea views and glimpses of Maltese limestone architecture.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical race shirt, and the post-race area typically includes local food, refreshments and a small beer garden.
Race weekend normally includes an expo, a pasta dinner the evening before, and shorter events such as a half marathon, 10K and a kids' fun run to accommodate all levels.
Aid stations with water, sports drink and sponges are placed regularly throughout the route (roughly every 2–3 km), and runners should be prepared for potentially strong coastal winds on exposed sections.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.