The 2025 edition of Il-Ġirja t’Għawdex has reached an extraordinary milestone, attracting a record-breaking 1,550 athletes from 51 countries. This year’s race marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic event, which has become a symbol of endurance, community spirit, and the natural beauty of Gozo since its debut in 1977.
From its humble beginnings, Il-Ġirja t’Għawdex has grown into a prestigious international competition, with participants tackling a challenging route across Gozo’s stunning terrain. The race not only pushes athletes to their physical and mental limits but also highlights the island’s captivating landscape, making it one of Malta’s most celebrated sporting events.
As part of the celebrations, the Il-Ġirja t’Għawdex: A Legacy Through Time exhibition was held, offering a fascinating retrospective on the race’s history. The exhibition featured historical photographs, memorabilia, and stories from past participants, charting the race’s journey from its early days to its current international stature. It also celebrated the race’s development over five decades, including its international certifications from European Athletics, MAAA, and AIMS.
In addition to commemorating its history, this year’s event looked toward the future with its first-ever live broadcast on TVM Sport. The live broadcast allowed global audiences to witness both the beauty of Gozo’s landscape and the intensity of the competition. This was a direct response to the growing demand for more accessible coverage following the online live-streaming of the event in 2023 and 2024 via the Parish’s official channels.
The event also included a Thanksgiving Mass on 25th April, attended by Mgr. Anton Refalo, the founder of Il-Ġirja t’Għawdex. Mgr. Refalo, who initiated the event in 1977 as part of the Xagħra Youth Centre’s youth initiative to promote health and wellness, reflected on the race’s evolution and expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from the local community and athletes.
Volunteers once again played a crucial role in making this year’s race a success. Organized entirely by volunteers from the Xaghra Youth Centre, their dedication was instrumental in managing race logistics, registration, safety, and providing support to the athletes throughout the event. The incredible hospitality of the Xagħra and Gozo communities further ensured a warm and memorable experience for participants and visitors alike.
The 2025 edition not only set new attendance records but also embraced sustainability. Trophies were made from excess traditional Gozitan stone to reduce waste, while all drinking cups used by athletes were 100% compostable. Additionally, electric vehicles were used as lead cars, further demonstrating the race’s commitment to environmentally-friendly practices.
In terms of performance, the half marathon was won by Joseph Arundel and Veronica Kersyte, while Rodrick Cilia and Maria Cumbo triumphed in the 10K. David Borg and Jael Vella claimed victory in the 5K race. Notably, the half marathon record was broken, with Charlton Debono, who finished in second place, also breaking his personal best on the challenging route.
The 2025 Il-Ġirja t’Għawdex not only reaffirmed its status as one of Malta’s most important sporting events but also celebrated the island’s culture, community, and commitment to progress.
