Record number of runners for the Nestlé Fitness Malta International Challenge Marathon

Over 225 runners are expected to participate in the 25th edition of the Nestlé Fitness Malta International Challenge Marathon

From left to right: Alfred Borg, Marketing Group and Corporate Communications Manager at Nestlé Malta, Hon. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport, Melania Calleja Pellicano, Group Product Manager at Nestlé Malta, Barry Whitmore, Race founder and director.
From left to right: Alfred Borg, Marketing Group and Corporate Communications Manager at Nestlé Malta, Hon. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport, Melania Calleja Pellicano, Group Product Manager at Nestlé Malta, Barry Whitmore, Race founder and director.

“Over 225 runners are expected to participate in the 25th edition of the Nestlé Fitness Malta International Challenge Marathon, out of which 200 will be participating in the challenge, while another 25 will be taking part in the relay team.” This was announced by Barry Whitmore, founder and race director of the Malta International Challenge Marathon on 3rd November, 2015 during a media conference held at Dolmen Resort Hotel, the official hotel and race HQ.

“Competition for this year’s marathon challenge is expected to be extremely stiff following the registration of some of Malta’s best athletes including Keith Galea who was recently crowned champion in the Malta National Triathlon Championships,” he added.

Addressing the media conference, Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport, Chris Agius said that the Government is doing its utmost to fight obesity.  It has embarked on a pilot project in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Health and introduced dancing sessions during break time for secondary school students. The Parliamentary Secretary reminded those present about the budget measure whereas a reduction of VAT on sporting activities including gym memberships and fitness centers from 18% to 7% will be in place.  He wished all athletes, especially the local ones, success.

From left to right: Barry Whitmore, Race founder and director, Keith Galea, Andrew Grech, Alfred Borg, Hon. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport and Jonathan Balzan
From left to right: Barry Whitmore, Race founder and director, Keith Galea, Andrew Grech, Alfred Borg, Hon. Chris Agius, Parliamentary Secretary Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport and Jonathan Balzan

The press conference was also addressed by Alfred Borg, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Nestlé Malta claiming, “Our sponsorship to this Marathon is yet another confirmation of the endeavours that Nestlé Malta undertakes to support local sporting activities in all spheres, from education, to charity, to supporting local entities who promote healthy lifestyle initiatives taking place in the Community where we operate.” 

Similar to previous years, the marathon will be spread over three days, starting on Friday, 20th and coming to an end on Sunday, 22nd November. Day one will consist of a race covering a total distance of 11.1km starting from Mdina Gardens and finishing at Rabat.  Day two will cover a shorter distance of 6km starting at St George’s Bay in Birzebbuga and finishing in front of the Birzebbuga Parish Church. The third and final race will consist of a 25km run starting at St. Paul’s Bay adjacent to the Wignacourt Tower and finishing at Freedom Square in Valletta.