Runners guide
Route
SAFETY
We would like to inform you that while the race route is not entirely devoid of traffic, we want to assure all participants that comprehensive safety measures have been put in place.
The entire route will be meticulously marshalled to ensure the safety and well-being of every participant. Additionally, a considerable number of Transport officials will be stationed along the route to provide assistance and ensure smooth coordination.
Furthermore, we have actively conducted a social media campaign over the past two weeks to raise awareness among motorists, emphasizing the importance of caution and cooperation during the event.
Organizing a 42-kilometer loop-free marathon certified by AIMS on the compact 27-kilometer island of Malta is an extraordinary feat. Our aim with the ‘La Valette Marathon’ is to not only provide participants with a scenic route that maximizes the beauty of the Maltese Mediterranean coastline but also to showcase the prime historical locations of our island.
Rest assured, the safety of all participants is our top priority. We have meticulously designed the marathon with your well-being in mind, and we are committed to ensuring a memorable and secure experience for everyone involved.
Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
RACE PACK
COLLECTION
Race pack collections will be as follows:
18th March 16:00 to 20:00
19th March 12:00 to 18:00
20th March 16:00 to 20:00
21st March 10:00 to 19:00
Excelsior Hotel, Floriana, Bastion Terrace
The venue can be reached by using ridehail apps (Ecabs, Uber, Bolt are most common in Malta or Malta Public Transport.
There is limited on-road parking around the area.
For those wishing to avail of the public transport system. You can plan your route on: https://www.publictransport.com.mt/ you can also download the Tallinja app on your smartphone.
Your race pack will contain your running bib, tshirt and some goodies provided by the sponsors.
If collecting for other participants you must have their ticket/QR Code.
For those landing later than 4pm on Sat 21st March You can pre-book delivery to your hotel/accommodation for a €15.00 fee. Please book your delivery via this link
For those needing to book/change transportation: this can be done at the info desk at race pack collection
1) Will I be able to transfer my race number to someone else at bib collection?
No, all changes must be made by latest 14th March.
2) Will I get a t-shirt?
Yes—all participants receive a t-shirt, medal, and race photos included in your registration price.
3) Can I change my t-shirt size?
Yes you can change it via the active profile, BUT changes are not possible after 9th March.
GETTING
AROUND
Travel information:
There is limited on street parking. We encourage carpooling or making use of ridehailing via our partner ECABS available on Google Play or Apple Store.
Ensure you plan for plenty of time to get to your destination, including time allocated for bag drop and warm up. We advise you to be there at least 60 minutes prior to the race briefing time for each start.
Using Public transport
For all participants and supporters making use of public transport services, you can plan your trip using the Malta Public Transport Journey Planner https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/trip-planner. For information on Bus Cards and Ticketing visit https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/bus-card-and-ticketing. You can also download the tallinja app on Google Play or Apple Store.
Bag
Drop
- Where is the bag drop located?
There will be a bag drop point at each starting line. A draw string bag will be provided at Race Pack collection. All items must be placed in the provided bag. No ruck sacks, back packs, plastic bags or any other kind of bag will be allowed. Your race number should be clearly marked on the draw string bag. We will provide you with a sticker during race pack collection.
- What time does bag drop open/close?
Bag drop closes strictly 20 minutes before your race begins. Once the baggage cart has left there will be no further options.
- What items are prohibited in bag drop?
Glass items, weapons and sharp objects. Avoid leaving high value personal items in the bag. Organiser claims no responsibility for any lost items.
- When can I collect my bag after finishing?
Bag collection point will be available at the finish line. Follow the guidance of the marshals and signage to get to the point. Bags can only be collected by the owner of the bag with the corresponding BIB number. No family members or friends will be allowed in the area.
The
Route
COURSE
INFORMATION
Marshalls and Signs
There will be typo, and event staff dotted around the course to guide you. Keep an eye out for signs that could tell you important information, such as direction and KM markers. Transport officials will be keeping everyone safe along the route
Walking
Its absolutely fine to walk at any point in the race, just make sure you move to the left hand side so other runners can overtake you safely.
Cut off time
Cut off time for all distances is by 12:30
Toilets
There will be plenty of portable toilets dotted along the route, at every start, and at the finish area.
BOOK
TRANSPORTATION
PRE RACE:
- Half Start (Sliema) – to finish line Birgu departs at 6.45am
- Half Start (Sliema) – to Full Start St. Paul’s Bay departs at 5am
- Finish Line (Birgu) – to Full Start St. Paul’s Bay departs at 5am
- Finish Line (Birgu) – to Half Marathon Start Sliema departs at 5.30am
- Finish Line (Birgu) – to 10k start Valletta departs at 5.30am
Transport Post Race: (Shuttle Service) 9.30am onwards till 1pm
- Finish Line Birgu – to St. Paul’s Bay (Marathon Start)
- Finish Line Birgu – to Sliema (Half Marathon Start)
- Finish Line Birgu – to Valletta (10k start)
- Finish line Birgu – to Paola (5k Start)
Transport will leave on schedule – Please ensure to be at the collection Point before departure time!
Where are the pickup/drop-off points?
> St. Paul’s bay collection point:
> Sliema Collection Point:
> Valletta Collection Point:
> Birgu Collection Point:
Course
Rules & Safety
- Run on: Left (sea) side of the road; orange cones on your right
- Cut-off: All runners must finish by 12:00 (5 hours)
- Pace Markers: Every 5km
- Toilets: At every start, finish, and along the route
- Medical: Roaming ambulances, first aiders on bikes, police presence
- Weather: 14–19°C, usually sunny in March
- Spectators: Welcome along pavements (best at Isla Waterfront); no official spectator zones
La Valette Marathon
42.20kms – 26 miles START TIME: 6.30am
STARTING LOCATION: Triq San Pawl il-bahar’ ‘Manikata’.
Race Briefing: 6.20am next to the start line
Remarks/ Extra Info:
- It is highly advisable that participants are on location at around 05:30am
- Bag drop will be made available at the Start Line. Please ensure that your belongings are sealed in a bag with your BIB number clearly marked on it.
- All Belongings will be transported to the finish line in Birgu.
- A lead car will be made available
- An emergency responder will follow the last runner
- Motor Officials will be driving alongside runners to ensure safety at all times.
- Transportation will be provided to the finish line for family members/ friends. Shuttle service will leave at 6.40am. To avail yourself of such service please click this link: (if you haven’t already)
Any participants that wishing to book their transportation from ‘Sliema’ to ‘Manikata’ (Marathon starting point) kindly reserve your transport at your earliest by clicking the below
There will be 1 transport leaving at 5:00am From Half Marathon Starting point carpark (exiles Beach club carpark)
La Valette Half Marathon
21.195kms 13 miles
START TIME: 7.00am
STARTING LOCATION: Tower Road Sliema
Bag Drop off departure 6:40am.
Race Briefing: 6.50am next to the start line
Remarks/ Extra Info:
- It is highly advisable that participants are on location at around 06:00am
- Bag drop will be made available at the Start Line. Please ensure that your belongings are sealed in a bag with your BIB number clearly marked on it.
- All Belongings will be transported to the finish line in Birgu.
- A lead car will be made available
- An emergency responder will follow the last runner
- Motor Officials will be driving alongside runners to ensure safety at all times.
- Transportation will be provided to the finish line for family members/ friends. Shuttle service will leave at 7.10am. To avail yourself of such service please click this link: (if you haven’t already)
La Valette Walkathon
21.195kms 13 miles
START TIME: 7.10am
STARTING LOCATION: Tower Road Sliema
Back Drop off departure 6:40am
Race Briefing: 7.05am next to the start line
Remarks/ Extra Info:
- It is highly advisable that participants are on location at around 06:15am
- Bag drop will be made available at the Start Line. Please ensure that your belongings are sealed in a bag with your BIB number clearly marked on it.
- All Belongings will be transported to the finish line in Birgu.
- Motor Officials will be driving alongside runners to ensure safety at all times.
- Transportation will be provided to the finish line for family members/ friends. Shuttle service will leave at 7.10am. To avail yourself of such service please click this link: (if you haven’t already)
La Valette 10kms
6.21 miles
START TIME: 7:00am
STARTING LOCATION: ‘Xatt Pinto’ in Valletta
Back Drop off departure: 6:40am
Race Briefing: 6.50am next to the start line
Remarks/ Extra Info:
- It is highly advisable that participants are on location at around 06:00am
- Bag drop will be made available at the Start Line. Please ensure that your belongings are sealed in a bag with your BIB number clearly marked on it.
- All Belongings will be transported to the finish line in Birgu.
- Motor Officials will be driving alongside runners to ensure safety at all times.
- A lead bike will be made available
La Valette 5kms
3.6 miles
START TIME: 7:00am
STARTING LOCATION: The 5k starts in Paola right next to the HIBS nursery
Bag drop off departure 6:40am
Race Briefing: 6:50am next to the start line
Remarks/ Extra Info:
- It is highly advisable that participants are on location at around 06:00am
- Bag drop will be made available at the Start Line. Please ensure that your belongings are sealed in a bag with your BIB number clearly marked on it.
- All Belongings will be transported to the finish line in Birgu.
- Motor Officials will be driving alongside runners to ensure safety at all times.
- A lead bike will be made available
WATER
STATIONS
Water Station 1
Water Station 2
Water Station 3
Water Station 4
Water Station 5
Water Station 6
Water Station 7
THE
FINISH
Medal, entertainment and refreshments available at the finish. Photo ops and 360 booths will also be available at the finish line.
The above route map will indicate what is where, and also signage will be available on site.
Tips Before
THE EVENT
Your Racing Kit
Make sure you practice running in your race day kit during training, that way you will be used to wearing it and avoid blisters and chafing. Get your kit ready the day before the event so you avoid searching for things on the event morning.
Bring what you need – ask yourself – is this necessary?
Plan ahead
make sure you leave yourself ample time to find the bag drop, hear the race and safety briefing and warm up. (and of course pose for some pre-race photos)
Race Numbers
Your race number with a built-in timing chip pre attached to the back of your number. It is very important to fill in your emergency contact and medical details on the reverse of your bib.
Weather conditions
Average temperatures in Malta in March start at a minimum of 10-12 degrees in the early morning reaching 18-20 degrees in the mid-morning to afternoon. The UV Index can reach 6, so please ensure you stay hydrated and safe from the sun, by wearing caps and sunscreen.
Planning your journey
Plan ahead. If making use of transport services from Sliema (HM Start to FM start), please ensure to be there before the allotted departure as there will not be a second means of transport. If using a ride hailing app plan your journey before making sure you leave enough time to get to the destination at least 60minutes beforehand.
Nutrition
Plan your evening meals for the night before the event, go with what your body is used to and what works, tonight of all nights is not the best time to try a new exotic recipe! Make sure to load up on the nutrients your body needs for the race.
Communications from LVM
Have a read through the pre-event emails sent to you. Ensure you follow the race organisers, CORSA on Facebook on www.facebook.com/corsamalta, for any last-minute updates.
TIPS DURING
THE EVENT
Hydration
Hydration is paramount, especially if you’re not used to the climate. Please bring your own pre-filled reusable drinks bottle and/or race belt with you to do your bit for the environment. Water stations will be available every 5 kilometers with every other station carrying fruit, gels and isotonic drinks. Our dedicated cleaning crew will ensure that all waste is appropriately recycled so please try to dispose of any bottles close to the water stations to help us recycle and do our bit for the environment.
Start Slow
Don’t risk burning out, we understand that this is an exciting moment for you, but pace yourself at the start to make sure you can maintain the same level of energy throughout the run. Don’t risk burning out short of the finish!
Finish
There’s plenty of hydration, refreshments, entertainment and photo ops at the finish. Feel free to make use of all facilities. If you are feeling unwell/shaky there are nurse stations on site – do not hesitate to reach out for help. If meeting family friends after there is much to do and see at the finish as well as plenty of places you can stop for a coffee or a well deserved drink with friends along the final stretch. Don’t forget to cheer on runners still coming through. For safety we ask you to use the side routes and avoid the runners running in head on.
Enjoy It!
Make sure you oy this experience – that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day!
TIPS AFTER
THE EVENT
Massage
Treat yourself to a massage in our finish area to help relax tight muscles and improve circulation.
Get Social
Our media team will be available at the finish line uploading photo and video live. We will also have a 360 video booth available in the finish area.
Share and tag us in your photos and stories using #DiscoverLaValette and #LVM2024 #visitmalta and tag our instagram handle @corsamalta
Nutrition
Consume a balanced meal containing carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats within 30 minutes to an hour after finishing the race to aid in muscle recovery. Our finish line is conveniently located next to a number of bars, cafes and restaurants in picturesque Birgu. Also, continue to eat nutritious meals in the following days to replenish glycogen stores and promote healing.
Cross-Training
Engage in low-impact activities like swimming, take a dip in the gorgeous Mediterranean sea, cycle along our coast, or practice some soft stretches yoga to maintain fitness levels while giving your body a break from the impact of running.
Rest
Allow your body to recover by getting adequate sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support muscle repair and overall recovery.
Feedback
Please keep an eye out on your inbox for our post-race questionnaire. At Corsa we do our utmost to ensure our athletes’ satisfaction, but as a fledgling marathon, your feedback is essential to enhance our runners’ experiences.
REGISTRATION
TIMES
Local & International
Wed 19th March 10am – 5pm
Thu 20th March 3pm – 8pm
Fri 21st March 3pm – 8pm
Sat 22nd March 10am – 4pm
International Visitors only
4pm-8pm
International visitors ONLY – If you are landing after 8pm please contact us to facilitate race pack collection
WHAT YOU GET
Every registered runner will receive:
1)
2)
3)
Our Partners & Sponsors
Thank You To our amazing partners who make this event possible
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