Malta is set to take centre stage as it prepares to crown the first edition of the Running Europe Tour, with 1,300 athletes ready to compete in Sunday’s Żurrieq Half Marathon and 10K. After successful stages in Warsaw and Palermo, the island will host the decisive race of the new international circuit, bringing to a close a project that has connected three countries through sport, culture and international friendship.
This inaugural edition of the Tour has already showcased Malta as a key player on the European running scene, and the future promises even more growth. From 2026 onwards, the LifeStar Malta Marathon, which will celebrate its 41st edition on 22 February, will officially become the opening race of the Running Europe Tour. This recognition strengthens Malta’s reputation as one of the most vibrant and welcoming destinations for runners across the continent.
Race director Joe Micallef expressed his satisfaction at Malta’s growing role within the project. He said that while hosting the final stage of the first Running Europe Tour is already a source of pride, the real excitement lies in 2026, when the LifeStar Malta Marathon will open the circuit. He described this as a major opportunity for Malta to enhance its international presence and attract even more runners, stressing how the Tour demonstrates that running can bring people together while showcasing the island’s beauty and hospitality.
Running Europe Tour founder and Palermo International Half Marathon organiser, Nando Sorbello, underlined the enthusiasm shown by athletes in Warsaw, Palermo and now Malta. He noted that the response from participants confirms that the Tour has a solid foundation and great potential. Ending this first edition in Malta is, in his view, symbolic, as the island represents warmth, community and a strong passion for running, which are precisely the values the project aims to embody.
Boguslaw Maminski, organiser of the Biegnij Warszawo 10K, echoed this sentiment, stating that seeing Malta host the final leg of the Tour is a source of pride. He emphasised that the project has shown how sport can cross borders and unite people, and said he is looking forward to the LifeStar Malta Marathon leading the way next year as the opening race of the circuit.
With Sunday’s Żurrieq Half Marathon and 10K, the first chapter of the Running Europe Tour will close. However, the countdown to 2026 has already begun, with Malta preparing to welcome thousands of runners for the historic 41st LifeStar Malta Marathon, which will officially launch the next edition of the European running circuit.
