
Malta
ABOUT Stay Connected With Updates
WHAT: XTERRA Malta
NEW DATE: October 23, 2021 (Postponed from April 10)
Due to Covid-19 restrictions in Europe, XTERRA Malta, originally scheduled for April 10, has been moved to October 23.
WHERE: Golden Bay, L/o Mellieha, Malra MLH5510 (map it)
One of the most beautiful venues for a race in the Mediterranean… .
Experience the natural beauty of the 3 Maltese Islands with XTERRA Malta!
The 23rd and 24th October hosts the XTERRA Malta Triathlon weekend in a beautiful nature reserve. The crystal blue waters of Golden Sands, the breathtaking cliff-edge trails and the family atmosphere that the organisers bring to this tough challenge make this one of the most talked-about multi-sport races. A sprint distance and a team relay make the experience accessible to all. The weekend also includes a KIDS Event and a FUN 6K TRAlL RUN on the Sunday.
On the 1st May TRAIL RUNNERS will be challenged to the XTERRA Malta Gozo Trail! A coast-hugging, 50km/21km/11km trail-running event that circumvents the island of Gozo, a jewel in the Mediterranean and sister island of Malta.
The XTERRA Malta Comino SWIMRUN on the 5th June takes place on the tiny island of Comino, home to the infamous Blue Lagoon! The course includes short swims and scenic trail running in an intermittent sequence carefully mapped out by our experienced Xterra team to give you a sporting experience like no other!
RACES
XTERRA MALTA is recognised as one of the most picturesque offroad TRIATHLON races in Europe and is held within the stunning Majjistral Natural Park and Golden Bay. As part of a weekend of activities, the Triathlon is the main event along with relay and sprint options, trail run and kids events. Pros and amateurs from over 20 countries visit Malta in spring to experience the natural beauty, heritage culture and hospitality of this Mediterranean island!
Saturday 23rd October 2021
XTERRA FULL DISTANCE TRIATHLON
Distances: 2 loops | Total: 1.5 km Swim, 30 km MTB, 10 km Trail Run
XTERRA SPRINT TRIATHLON
Distances: 1 loop | Total: 0.75 km Swim, 15 km MTB, 5km Trail Run
XTERRA FULL TRIATHLON - RELAY TEAMS
Male, Female or Mixed. Each Athlete will swim, bike or run the full distance (ie 2 loops)
Sunday 24th October 2021
XTERRA MALTA 6km TRAIL RUN GOLDEN BAY
Distance: 6 km (1 loop)
Saturday 1st May 2021
XTERRA GOZO TRAILS 50K | 21K | 11K
Distance: 50Km | 21Km | 11Km
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Coming soon.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
XTERRA MALTA TRIATHLON
22 October 2021
10am - 4pm - Race Pack Pickup @ Race HQ (Golden Bay)
23 October 2021
07:00 - 08:00 - Rack Bikes
07:30 - 08:30 - Check-In @ Race HQ
09:30 - Race Start
XTERRA MALTA TRAIL RUN
20 October 2021
4pm - 7pm Race Pack Pickup @ Intersport Sliema
24 October 2021
08:30 - Start of 6 km Trail Run
09:30 - Award Ceremony
XTERRA MALTA GOZO TRAIL
28 April 2021
4pm - 7pm - Race Pack Pickup @ Intersport Sliema (International Visitors can pick up on the day)
1st May 2021
7am - Late Race Packet Pickup
8am - Start of Ultra Trail Run
11am - Start of 21K Route
12pm - Start of 11K Route
15:00 - Award Ceremony
18:00 - Cut Off Time for All Events
COURSE INFORMATION
XTERRA Malta
An off-road triathlon starting with a refreshing swim in the iconic Golden Bay Malta, a challenging mountain bike route across the Majjistral Nature Park, riding along the cliff edges all the way to the picturesque Popeye Village movie set and ending with a trail run around the historic watch tower. Travel over clay slopes and rocky paths overlooking the breathtaking bays of Gnejna and Ghajn Tuffieha.
Swim Course

Mountain Bike Course

Off-Road Triathlon Trail Run Course/ 6 km Trail Run Course

XTERRA Malta 6 km Trail Run
As part of the XTERRA MALTA Triathlon Weekend of activities, the run route of the triathlon will host the fun but challenging 6 km run. Beginners are encouraged and very welcome. Seasoned trail runners can push themselves on this gorgeous and challenging route.
PRIZE INFORMATION
PRIZE INFORMATION
Trophies awarded to:
XTERRA Malta TRIATHLON:
FULL: - 1st, 2nd, 3rd PROs M/F
- 1st in each age group M/F
- 1st Maltese Athlete M/F
SPRINT: - 1st, 2nd, 3rd SPRINT M/F
RELAY TEAM: - 1st Overall RELAY team
XTERRA Malta 6K Trail: - 1st, 2nd & 3rd M/F
XTERRA Malta GOZO Trails
11K - 1st, 2nd & 3rd M/F
21K - 1st, 2nd & 3rd M/F
50K - 1st, 2nd & 3rd M/F
RULES
SWIM
1. Swimmers must wear the swim cap provided in the race kit.
2. Pro and elite athletes will be positioned in front of age group and relay participants.
3. Any stroke of a forward motion can be used. No participant may use the buoy line to propel themselves forward. This will result in disqualification.
4. Swimmers must have their race number displayed on both upper arms by race officials prior to the start of the swim.
5. Swimmers must complete the entire swim course unassisted. Failure to complete the course correctly will result in disqualification.
6. Swimmers may not use fins, snorkels, flotation devices, gloves or socks at any time during the swim.
7. No individual escorts or paddlers are allowed at any time during the swim.
8. Swimwear must not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, or extend past the knees. Swimwear may contain a zipper. A race kit may be worn underneath swimwear.
9. Speed suits are allowed. (Speedsuit must be comprised of 100% textile material such as nylon or lycra and must not included rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene. The speedsuit may contain a zipper.)
View list of permitted speed suits.
10. A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance shall raise an arm overhead, pump it up and down, and call or seek assistance. A swimmer, who has received assistance, whether voluntary or involuntary, must retire and withdraw from the remainder of the race, unless such assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward progress. No swimmer shall return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests that the participant withdraws from the race or receives medical assistance.
11. Follow the instructions of race marshals and officials at all times.
MOUNTAIN BIKE
1. Mountain bikes are the only type of bike allowed for this race.
** Some additional provisions regarding mountain bikes:
a. No Cyclo-Cross bikes allowed
b. No drop bars or aero bars allowed
c. Bar extensions or grips off the handlebars may not exceed five (5) inches d. All bikes must have 24, 26, 27.5 or 29 inch wheels
d. All bar ends must be securely capped.
2. There will be a mandatory bike check at transition on Saturday.
3. All bikes must be checked in transition before races.
4. Shoes, shirt, and helmets must be worn at all times while on the bike course.
5. Bike numbers must be attached to the front handlebar. (It is not necessary to wear the run number during the bike segment. Mountain Bike numbers are large and obvious; therefore it is not mandatory to wear a run number for identification purposes.)
6. Helmet must be clipped before the bike is removed from the rack in transition and cannot be unclipped until the bike is securely racked till back to transition after completing the bike course.
7. No riding inside transition at any time.
8. Mount and dismount at the designated areas only.
9. Drafting is allowed.
10. Always ride on the right side of the road. Over take on the left and return to the right as soon as it is safe to do so.
11. Passing Etiquette: Slower riders must yield to faster riders. Faster riders must clearly speak a passing command, “Bike!” or “On your left!” when overtaking, and overtaking must be done safely. If two racers are fighting for position, the leading rider need not give up position, but the leading rider may not interfere or impede another rider’s progress.
12. Outside assistance from a non-participant or spectator is not allowed at any time on the bike course. This means no receiving food, hydration, tools, or medical assistance from any person not directly involved in the event. (Example of non-participants: family members, friends, spectators, photographers, personal drivers, coaches.)
13. Pacing from a non-competitor or any kind of motorized vehicle is not allowed at any time on the bike course.
14. Participants may walk their bike if needed but must complete the course with their bike.
15. All participants are responsible for their own bike care, maintenance, and repair. An official technical crew will be roving around the racecourse and may assist with repairs but should not be expected to fix basic flats.
16. A sweeper vehicle will sweep the course starting around 3pm to collect any riders who are unable to complete the course because of exhaustion or mechanical failure. Once a participant rides the sweeper vehicle they will be considered DNF (did not finish).
17. Short-cutting and/or cutting trail switchbacks or any part of the course is not permitted and may result in disqualification. A rider is required to stay on the designated trail that is marked and or specified as the race course. It is the rider's responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barriers on the course will not constitute an excuse for cutting course violations.
18. Participants shall complete the entire bike course on the same mountain bike they started the bike leg on. Participants must back to transition using the same bike when they left with to be allowed to continue the race. No bicycle parts may be left on the course.
19. Participants must give way to medical and emergency personnel at all times on the bike course regardless of their race standing.
20. Participants must complete the entire bike course unassisted. Failure to complete the course correctly will result in disqualification.
TRAIL RUN
1. Shoes and shirt / top are required at all times on the run course.
2. Race number must be clearly visible on the front of the runner at all times. A race belt may be used to secure the race number. Failure to wear a race number on the run will result in disqualification.
3. A runner may run or walk to complete the course.
4. Outside assistance from a non-participant or spectator is not allowed at any time on the run course. This means no receiving food, hydration, water/ice/sponges for cooling off from any person not directly involved in the event.
5. Pacing from a non-participant or any kind of motorized vehicle is not allowed at any time on the run course.
6. No individual or team support vehicle may follow runners around the course.
7. Participants must give way to medical and emergency personnel at all times on the run course regardless of their race standing.
8. Respect local traffic rules and other vehicles on the road at all times.
9. Short-cutting and/or cutting trail switchbacks or any part of the course is not permitted and may result in disqualification. A runner is required to stay on the designated trail that is marked and or specified as the racecourse. It is the runner's responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barrier on the course will not be constituted as an excuse for cutting course.
10. Runners must complete the entire run course unassisted. Failure to complete the course correctly will result in disqualification.
GENERAL
1. If for any reason a participant cannot finish the race, they must report to the finish line area and return their timing chip. This will result in a DNF (did not finish) result.
2. Littering on the run and bike course is prohibited. Any item that needs to be discarded, including water bottles, gel wrappers, energy bar wrappers, broken bike parts, inner tubes, or clothing items, can only be discarded at aid / hydration stations.
3. In transition area, it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure all race gear is their respective race baskets / boxes / bags.
4. Only participants wearing an XTERRA Malta wristband and race officials will be allowed to enter Transition. No family members, personal bike mechanics or photographers without credentials will be allowed in Transition at any time.
5. Bikes and bags can only be collected by the PARTICIPANT, family members, support staff, coaches, and drivers will NOT be allowed to collect bikes and bags from transition. Participants will be required to present a race number to the transition marshal as proof of bike ownership.
6. Relay participants must remain in the designated waiting areas in transition and wait for their teammate to arrive. They cannot leave transition unless given permission by a race marshal. Once a relay participant has completed their leg of the race they may leave transition but will not be allowed to return to transition until transition opens for bike and race gear collection.
7. MP3 players or any kind of personal music / listening devices with headset are not allowed at any time during the race. Use of a headset will result in disqualification.
8. Race numbers and race registration CANNOT be transferred. Participants found racing under a different name will be disqualified.
9. RELAY TEAMS can consist of 2-3 participants; a participant from another relay team cannot compete as part of a second relay team. No participant registered as an individual may race as part of a relay team.
10. Consider the safety of yourself and other participants at all times during the race. Treat other participants, race officials, race marshals, medical staff, traffic enforcers, and spectators with respect and courtesy before, during and after the race.
11. Participants shall refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, including the improper use of language or conduct directed toward another participant, race official, race marshal, medical staff or traffic enforcer, and spectators.
12. Any protest relating to race results must be submitted in writing to the Race Director within one hour of the final race cutoff.
13. In case of severe weather on race day, XTERRA Malta reserves the right to make the necessary adjustments to the racecourse to ensure the safety of all participants.
14. XTERRA Malta reserves the right to make rule changes at any time provided all athletes are notified on the website and at the pre-race athlete.
Please check travel restrictions and information from the official authorities before you travel.
There are various hotels and apartments in the surroundings of the race venues to suit all budgets!
Volunteers

The XTERRA Malta race experience is enhanced by our amazing team of volunteers, most of whom are athletes themselves, are closely related to one or who simply love sport! Our volunteers love being part of a community and making the athlete experience an amazing one by cheering them along the way, ensuring they take the right direction and keeping them hydrated and safe! Our volunteers also get a free race entry to a next XTERRA Malta event so we are constantly looking out for Sunshine Stars to join the team! If you’re interested reach out to us. :)








GOZO TRAILS
About:
On the 1st of May, Trail Runners will be challenged to the XTERRA Malta Gozo Trail! A coast-hugging, 50km/21km/11km trail-running event that circumvents the island of Gozo, a jewel in the Mediterranean and sister island of Malta.
Course:
Gozo Ultra is a 50k trail run around the perimeter of the Mediterranean island of Gozo. The full distance is 50km with 1500m of total elevation. The race cut-off times are relaxed to encourage beginners to take part, and those wishing to enjoy the trail, rather than race it. The 21km trail is run over the last part of the course, finishing in Ghajnsielem.

Schedule of event:
7am - Late Race Packet Pickup
8am - Start of Ultra Trail Run
11am - Start of 21K Route
12pm - Start of 11K Route
15:00 - Award Ceremony
18:00 - Cut Off Time for All Events
FAQ:
- Awards are presented over a friendly dinner close to the race venue.
- Friends and family are welcome!
- Trophies are given for the first 3 Male and the first 3 Female winners of each distance.
- Finisher T-Shirts and medals will be given to all successful participants.
- The 50k Ultra Distance is recognised for 2 ITRA points and a qualifier for international trail races.The age group winners qualify for the Xterra Trail Running World Championships to be held in Hawaii.
Contact: Nathan Farrugia
Email: nathan [at] maltaxterra.com
Phone: +35679476111
Registrations are Open: Register here
PAST RESULTS
About Hellfire
The Hellfire Team behind XTERRA Malta is a small group of passionate people that care about the environment and human experience. We believe that our challenges should be seen as a personal journey, and not a race against a competitor. We hope that you will appreciate our informal approach, flexibility and somewhat limited resources in organising such an event, which is surely made up for by our tireless energy and positive attitude. We also trust that you will extend this sportsmanship to your fellow competitors if you see they are in need.
Contact XTERRA Malta
Contact: Nathan Farrugia
Email: nathan [at] maltaxterra.com
Phone: +35679476111
NEW DATE
Due to COVID restrictions in Europe, XTERRA Malta will now be held on 23 October. For full information and event status of XTERRA Malta, contact nathan [at] maltaxterra.com.