The 41st LifeStar Malta Marathon, set for Sunday 22 February 2026, took centre stage at the OPAP Marathon Expo in Athens, the flagship fair that precedes the 42nd Athens Authentic Marathon and welcomes more than seventy-five thousand runners from around the world.
The Malta stand, managed by race director Joe Micallef, drew steady crowds of enthusiasts eager to learn about one of the Mediterranean’s most enduring running events and the experience awaiting participants on the Maltese Islands. Speaking in Athens, Joe Micallef said the LifeStar Malta Marathon is more than a race and described it as a celebration of sport, culture and Maltese hospitality. He added that running in Malta means tracing history through breathtaking scenery while enjoying the genuine welcome of the local community, and that organisers expect another outstanding edition marked by enthusiasm and positive energy.
Next year’s programme is designed for every level of runner. The schedule features the full marathon over 42.195 kilometres and the half marathon over 21.097 kilometres, together with the 21K walkathon for non-competitive participants. Community events include the charity 5K and the kids 1.5K fun run, encouraging families, first timers and visiting supporters to be part of the day.
Sponsored by LifeStar Insurance, the Malta Marathon has for more than four decades stood among the country’s premier sporting showcases, blending athletic excellence, tourism and solidarity. Its growing profile at major European expos underlines the event’s international reach, with thousands of athletes and visitors returning each year to combine racing with the culture and warmth of Malta. Organisers in Athens reported strong interest from clubs, tour operators and individual runners planning their early-season calendars, further reinforcing Malta’s status as a destination where competition and festival atmosphere meet.
