Run in the Footsteps of Heroes
The La Valette Marathon isn’t just a race — it’s a journey through history. As Malta’s only AIMS-certified and Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) qualifying event, it offers runners an experience found nowhere else on the islands.
This is a true coastal marathon, with the Mediterranean Sea stretching out on your left as you run past more than 7,000 years of history. The course winds past centuries of heritage, tracing the mighty fortifications of Fort St Elmo and Fort St Angelo — guardians of Malta’s past. Every stride carries you through breathtaking views of the sea and the island’s rich architectural legacy.
Along the way, you’ll pass through landscapes that form part of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage designation, a living museum of stone and sea. The route echoes with the legacy of the Knights of St John, whose grand fortifications and bastions still rise proudly above the harbors. Running here means moving through chapters of history where empires clashed, cultures met, and legends were born.
What makes this marathon truly unique is its finish: within the very fortifications that stood strong during the Great Siege of 1565, where Malta’s heroes once defended their land. Here, history and endurance meet, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your achievement.
Join Us for the Ultimate Running Experience
Welcome to our annual marathon event! We’re excited to bring you a range of race categories suitable for runners of all levels, from beginners to elite athletes.
Each race has been carefully designed to showcase the beautiful scenery of our city while providing a challenging and rewarding experience for all participants.
Below you’ll find detailed information about each race category, including start times, routes, elevation profiles, and important details to help you prepare for race day.
Full Marathon ( 42.195 KM )
Date: 22nd March 2026
Start Time: 06:30 Am
Start Location: San Pawl il- Bahar
Cut-off Time: 6 hours
Join us for the ultimate challenge – the Full Marathon! Covering a distance of 42.2 kilometers, this marathon takes you along the stunning coastlines of Malta, starting from Bahar ic Caghaq and culminating at the historic Fort St Angelo in Birgu.
Half Marathon ( 21.1 KM )
Date: 22nd March 2026
Start Time: 07:00 AM
Start Location: Exiles, Sliema
Cut-off Time: 6 hours
Experience the thrill of the Half Marathon, a 21.1-kilometer run that takes you on a captivating journey through the historic fortifications of Malta. Starting from the vibrant Sliema Seafront, this scenic route guides you through the heart of the island, as you make your way to the grand finish line at the stunning Fort St Angelo in Birgu.
10Km
Date: 22nd March 2026
Start Time: 08:00 AM
Start Location: Triq il-Mediterran, Valletta
Cut-off Time: 6 hours
Get ready to conquer the 10Km race, an exhilarating challenge that will take you from the captivating capital city of Valletta to the stunning fortification finish at Fort St Angelo in Birgu. Lace up your running shoes and prepare to push your limits as you navigate through the scenic route.
5Km
Date: 22nd March 2026
Start Time: 08:30 AM
Start Location: Triq Ghajn Dwieli, Paola
Cut-off Time: 6 hours
Experience the excitement of the 5Km race, a thrilling sprint that begins in the vibrant town of Paola and culminates at the majestic fortification finish line of Fort St Angelo in Birgu. Lace up your running shoes and prepare to dash through a scenic route that showcases the charm of Paola and the historic beauty of Birgu.
Walkathon
Date: 22nd March 2026
Start Time: 7:10 AM
Start Location: Exiles, Sliema
Cut-off Time: 6 hours
Step into the Walkathon and embark on a 21.1-kilometer journey at your own pace. This non-competitive walk offers a scenic route starting from the vibrant Sliema Seafront, leading you on a picturesque path towards the magnificent Fort St Angelo in Birgu. Whether you’re an experienced walker or simply looking for a delightful way to explore the beauty of Malta, the Walkathon invites individuals of all fitness levels to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
To take part in the La Valette Marathon, athletes must be 18 years of age or older on the day of the event.
Registration
No, online registration will close at 23:59 on 10th March 2025. In any event, the Organisation reserves the right to close entries early or to accept entries after the closing date at its sole discretion
No, payment must be made at the same time as registration.
The online registration automatically sends an email confirmation on your given email address when the payment is validated.
The participation fee is non-refundable. If an athlete is unable to take part in the event, he/she may, subject to notification to be sent to the Organisers no later than 10/03/2025, transfer the registration to another person or transfer the registration to another year.
Contact us on contact@corsa.mt and you will receive an answer within 72 hours.
Add-On Products
By accessing the Deals tab on this website, you can browse through our accommodation packages. Using the provided code, you can avail yourself of discounts on accommodations.
The week before the race
As the date approaches, we will send you an email with additional details regarding the collection of your bib and race pack.
Confirmation email
Yes, by giving the following to the delegate:
- Copy of confirmation email
- Copy of Identity document
The Big Day
The La Valette Marathon is set to take place on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025. For specific details such as starting times and the location of the start line, be sure to visit the Event Info page.
During the BIB collection, you will receive a sticker and a small bag, which you can use to store your belongings. These bags will be transported to the finish line at Fort St Angelo in Birgu. Upon your arrival, simply present your bib number to collect your bag.
For a glimpse of the route, head over to the Events Info page. There, you can explore the course map and get a better understanding of the path you’ll be taking.
Timing and ranking at the event will be conducted using an electronic transponder system, commonly referred to as a “chip.” This chip will be distributed to participants during bib collection attached to the bib. It is important to emphasize that the chip is assigned to each individual and cannot be swapped. Athletes who remove or damage the chip in any way will not be able to have their timing recorded and will not be included in the official rankings.
Along the route, participants can find refreshments and sponges provided. Water stations will be available approximately every 5 kilometers to ensure hydration throughout the marathon.
Athletes have the choice to pay a fee of €5.00 for transportation from the finish line back to the start line.
The Big Day
Upon crossing the finish line, athletes will be rewarded with a participation medal and granted access to the final refreshments. Additionally, various post-arrival services will be available, and awards will be presented to ranking participants.
The partial and final times will be available in real time by following the appropriate given after the race.