Over 300 athletes have already registered their participation in the Gozo Half Marathon event, which is being held on Sunday 27th April.
The half marathon, which starts from Xagħra square, starts downhill, followed by a major uphill towards the centre of Victoria. A stretch of flat terrain, occasionally going steep, ensues, going through Sannat, Xewkija, Għajnsielem and Qala. The most challenging part has to be the last 6 miles of the race, with an uphill between Qala and Nadur, a downhill right after that and then a final uphill to arrive back at Xagħra square.
Challenging as it might seem, athletes deem the race as an experience to remember. As Alan Dickinson, a repeat race participant stated “From lining up nervously in the glorious Xagħra village square in the shadow of the stunning church, to stubbornly battling the tough course that belies the rustic beauty of the route for a couple of hours, to sipping ice cold beer back in the square for hours after the race with new friends – it truly is an uplifting experience”.
In the past years, the number of foreign participants has been on the increase, with athletes from 16 different countries taking part in one of this year’s races. The event will see the participation of Drew Lang and Jacqueline Booker, title holders for the half marathon, as well as Jonathan Balzan and Doreen Camilleri, title holders for the 8 mile race.
Applications will be received by Friday 25th April, subject to late registration fees. More details on the event and participation can be viewed online at www.gozomarathon.org.