Preparations are in full swing for the 2025 LifeStar Malta Marathon, scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 23, marking the event’s 40th edition. Announced during a press conference at the Barcelo Fortina Hotel in Sliema, this milestone race is expected to attract a record number of participants, including over 1,500 foreign athletes from 60 countries.
The race will feature the defending champions from the previous edition: French-Moroccan Alaa’ Hrioued and Scottish-born, Malta-based Jemina Farley. Additionally, Half Marathon winner Moroccan Sanaa Achahbar will return to compete.
The Malta Marathon traces its roots to 1986, when Englishman Paul Pickup claimed victory in the inaugural race with a time of 2:27:48, besting a field of 108 runners, including Maltese standout Charles Portelli. Since then, the event has grown in stature to become one of Europe’s most prestigious long-distance races.
Adding a unique historical link to the event is Charles Darmanin, the only participant to have completed every edition of the Malta Marathon since its inception. Darmanin will once again be on the start line in 2025.
Record Numbers Expected
Joe Micallef, the marathon’s long-time race director, expressed excitement about the event’s growth:
“We are receiving registrations daily from athletes worldwide. The 2025 edition will likely surpass the previous record of 1,930 international participants, with over 3,000 foreign athletes expected. Together with their families and supporters, these visitors contribute significantly to Malta’s economy during the shoulder months.”
New Events and Highlights
This year’s marathon will introduce a 5-kilometer charity run, with proceeds benefiting Caritas, Puttino Cares, and Hopexchange Malta. Additionally, a kids’ fun run organized by Pembroke Athleta AC will take place at the finish line in Sliema, drawing around 700 children.
More than 20 pacers will assist participants in both the full and half marathons, each wearing distinctive technical T-shirts with their pacing times.
Live Coverage and Commemorations
For the second consecutive year, the marathon will be broadcast live on TVM Sport, offering more than four hours of coverage from the start in Mdina to the finish line in Sliema. Renowned broadcaster Pierre Cordina will also provide live updates on Bay Easy 100.2.
All finishers within the time limits will receive a commemorative medal celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Malta Marathon.
Schedule and Categories
- Marathon Start: Mdina, 6:30 a.m. (5-hour time limit)
- Half Marathon Start: Mdina, 7:45 a.m. (3-hour time limit)
- Walkathon Start: Mdina, 7:45 a.m. (3.75-hour time limit, non-competitive)
Award Ceremony
An awards ceremony for category winners will take place at 5:30 p.m. on race day at the Barcelo Fortina Hotel. Distinguished guests will present awards, including accolades for Andrew Grech, winner of the international Running Sicily circuit, and the Evolve Endurance Club, the top men’s team.
Inspiring Charity Work
The official charity for the 2025 LifeStar Malta Marathon is Inspire – the Foundation for the Inclusion of Disabled People, continuing the event’s tradition of supporting meaningful causes.
As Malta gears up for one of its biggest sporting events, the 2025 LifeStar Malta Marathon promises to be a celebration of endurance, health, and community spirit.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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