Malta is delighted Challenge Family is returning to the Mediterranean island with a new date for the middle distance race – 1 October 2023. Strong support from the government has also given the race a new name – Visit Malta Challenge Malta – with plans to bring pro and amateur triathletes together from all over the globe. The race consists of a 1.9km swim at Bahar ic- Caghaq, followed by a 90km bike along the Coast Road and surrounding areas, and a 21km run from Bahar ic-Caghaq to the heart of Malta’s 16th century capital, Valletta.
Last year’s first edition of the race was proud to host athletes from 27 nations, and some of the world’s leading athletes. The race was won by Niek Heldoorn in 3:44:58 in the men’s category and Svenja Thoes in 4:17:17 in the women’s. The 2023 event is aiming to extend the participants to 800 athletes, both growing triathlon locally and welcoming international athletes.
“Malta is truly one of the most idyllic destinations for triathlon with its warm climate, varied terrain and spectacular scenery combined with a rich and diverse culture,” said Jort Vlam, Challenge Family CEO. “We’re delighted to be working closely with Visit Malta and the team at Challenge Malta on the second and future editions to establish Challenge Malta as a must-race event on the international triathlon calendar. We look forward to Challenge Malta as an event the local community hosts with pride while enjoying all the economical and social benefits an international triathlon is proven around the world to provide. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Clayton Bartolo Minister for Tourism, Clifton Grima Minister for Sport and Aaron Farugia Minister for Transport for their significant support and we look forward to working together on the success of Challenge Malta.”
This event is committed to promoting more awareness of safety for athletes and Corsa together with Transport Malta will run a nationwide campaign to have local motorists become more respectful of athletes on the country’s roads.
In doing so prior to each event as a prelude to Visit Malta Challenge Malta, the public shall be informed one month before as to which routes to avoid to make sure there is very little impact on the traffic flow and that participants safety is assured.
