The Lifestar Malta Marathon 2025 is set to take place on Sunday, 23rd February, marking the 40th edition of the prestigious race. With 5,100 athletes from 80 countries registered, the event promises thrilling competition and a celebration of long-distance running.
Leading the field is three-time French Marathon champion Alaa Hrioud, who will wear bib number 1. He enters the race as the defending champion from 2024 and has set his sights on another victory. Italian champion Oukhrid Lhoussaine will run with bib number 2, while Moroccan runners Abdelali Razyn (3), Abdelmajied Elhissouf (4), Aziz Ait Ourkia (5), Mousaab Hadout (7), and Said Hachchach (8) are considered strong contenders.
British Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead, who holds the marathon world record for double-leg amputees, will also compete, wearing bib number 52. Last year’s winner, Jemina Farley, will return to defend her title with bib number 51.
Among the top Maltese athletes participating are Charlton Debono (9), Andrew Grech (12), David Mansfield (13), and Joanna Attard Pulis (54). Veteran runner Charles Darmanin has been honoured with bib number 40 for completing every edition of the Malta Marathon since its inception.
The current race record for men is held by Moroccan Redouan Nouri, who clocked 2:13:18 in 2023. With many elite runners in the lineup, there is a possibility that this time could be challenged.
The event also welcomes former 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Boguslav Maminski, a European and World Championship runner who, at nearly 70 years old, continues to compete as an amateur.
Start Times & Race Categories
The Malta Marathon will commence from Mdina at 7:00 AM, with a five-hour time limit. Other race categories include:
- Malta Half Marathon – Starts at 8:15 AM, with a three-hour limit.
- Malta ‘Endo’ Walkathon – Starts at 8:15 AM, with a 3.75-hour limit.
- 5K Charity Run & Walk – Starts from Sliema at 7:10 AM, with a 1.25-hour limit.
- Kids’ 1.5K Race – Starts from Sliema at 8:35 AM.
Walkathon participants must start behind the Half Marathon runners or risk disqualification.
This year’s marathon boasts a record number of international runners, with 2,600 foreign participants and an additional 500 foreign residents based in Malta. The race will also feature 700 children in the 1.5K event, making it one of the largest sporting gatherings in Malta’s history.
For the second consecutive year, the Lifestar Malta Marathon will be broadcast live on TVM Sport, providing four hours of coverage from the start in Mdina to the finish in Sliema, including live interviews and the awards ceremony. Additionally, Pierre Cordina will provide live radio coverage on Bay Easy 100.2 from the finish line in Sliema.
Noma Award & Event Recognition
The Noma Award, celebrating Maltese-Italian sporting connections, was presented at the bib handover ceremony at the Italian Cultural Institute in Valletta. Honourees included Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Romano, sports journalists Joanna Camilleri and Lorenzo Magrì, and Maltese national softball coach Roberto Andolfi. The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett, received the 2025 Noma Prize.
A Marathon of Excellence
As the Lifestar Malta Marathon 2025 celebrates its 40th anniversary, the event continues to grow, drawing top international talent, inspiring stories, and record-breaking participation. Whether on the streets of Mdina, Sliema, or along the scenic route, this Sunday’s race promises to be a showcase of endurance, determination, and sporting excellence.
