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Malta Marathon

February 28, 2027 · 7:00 AMMalta

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Race snapshot

Race Day

55°F

50–63°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

623ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change +0 ft

Participants

5,100

Large field

Crowd Rating

4/ 10

Moderate spectator support

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.

Feb 26, 2023: Men's course record: Redouan Nouiri runs 2:13:18
Redouan 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.
Feb 25, 2024: Jemima Farley sets women's course record in wet conditions (2:35:41)
Jemima 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.
Feb 23, 2025: Record participation and 40th edition draw 5,100 runners
The 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.
Jun 23, 2026: 2026 edition completed; 2027 registration open for 42nd edition on 28 Feb 2027
The 2026 Malta Marathon (41st edition) was held on 22 February 2026 and is now completed. Organisers have announced the 42nd Malta Marathon for 28 February 2027 with registration already open as of June 2026.

2025 · Marathon

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Course Highlights: 01Valletta – The historic capital and UNESCO site, runners pass the city gates and enjoy views over the Grand Harbour
02Triton Fountain – Iconic fountain at Valletta Gate often used as a prominent landmark near the race start area
03Fort St. Elmo – 16th-century coastal fortification at the tip of the peninsula, visible as the course skirts the harbour
04Sliema Promenade – Long seafront promenade with views across Marsamxett Harbour toward Valletta
05St. Julian's / Spinola Bay – Lively bayside district with cafés and traditional fishing boats, a popular spectator spot
06Balluta Bay – Picturesque bay with a prominent parish church and rocky promenade section
07Marsaxlokk – Traditional fishing village known for colorful luzzu boats and a scenic harbour (on the southern stretch of the course)
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 5K
Time Limit: 6 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Club/Team Entry
On-site/Late Registration
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)
Proof of age. Entrants must be at least 18 on race day.
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

01: The Malta Marathon features a scenic course that passes coastal roads and historic towns, offering runners sea views and glimpses of Maltese limestone architecture.
02: 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.
03: 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.
04: 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.

Questions about the Malta Marathon 2027

When is the Malta Marathon 2027?

Sunday, February 28, 2027.

What time does the Malta Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:00 AM, local time.

What is the Malta Marathon time limit?

6 hours.

How do I enter the Malta Marathon 2027?

Registration is open. Jun 23, 2026: Registration opens. Ways in: Online Registration; Charity Entry; Tour Operator; Club/Team Entry.

What is the Malta Marathon course like?

190 m of total elevation gain. It passes Valletta, Triton Fountain and Fort St. Elmo.

What is the weather like at the Malta Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 10–17 °C (50–63 °F).

Is the Malta Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer623ft gain, 55°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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