Photos courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority Click on photos for larger version

What a way to celebrate the 25th Malta Marathon, having a record number 1,406 finishers. This represents a 40% increase over the previous record of 1,003 achieved in 2008. The introduction of the Malta Walkathon contributed to this increase, with nearly 200 participants. The rest of the increase saw record participation in both the Full Marathon and the Half Marathon.

287 participants completed the Marathon and 1,119 completed the Half Marathon both of which are records. The Half Marathon numbers include the Walkathon participants, who ran the same route but left one hour earlier in order to give them a 4 hour time limit to complete the distance. The Walkathon is not a walking race and participants may jog or run at any point, as such it is still a normal Half Marathon and the participants are therefore also included in the Half Marathon results.

There was also a record high in both local and foreign participation, with 734 Maltese and 672 other nationalities.

Whereas the records tumbled with regards to numbers, no course records were broken. In fact all finishing times were far off from any of the course records, particularly in the Full Marathon. There was not possibility of establishing and relevant times in the full marathon after the leading 4 runners were directed off the route in the early stages.

Although the weather was extremely nice and sunny, it was rather hot for some but after all Malta is known for it’s usually nice weather in February when most of Europe is shivering. There was also some wind that did have an effect the participants but overall there was great satisfaction amongst them. The 8 water, 4 sponge and 2 Powerade Stations along the route as well as the 8 bands along the route as well as the refreshments at the finish and a magnificent medal ensured that the participants had a most enjoyable run.

The event closed off with the prize giving ceremony which was held that same evening at the Land Rover Malta Marathon race headquarters. During the ceremony besides the usual awards for the first 3 female and male finishers of the Marathon and Half Marathon, there were plenty of other awards for the first 3 female and male teams and the first 2 female and male age category winners for both the Marathon and Half Marathon. Race Director Joe Micallef, closed off by announcing the date for the 2011 Land Rover Malta Marathon, which will be held on Sunday 27th February.

The 2011 Land Rover Malta Marathon promises to be even BIGGER.