XTERRA Trail Run World Championship

Discover Gozo – A Trail Runner’s Paradise

Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, is a stunning blend of natural beauty, ancient heritage, and Mediterranean spirit. Known for its rugged coastline, scenic cliffs, and tranquil countryside, Gozo offers a unique trail-running experience where every path tells a story.

A Land of History and Culture

Steeped in legend, Gozo is said to be the home of Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey. Its rich history stretches back over 7,000 years, with the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Temples standing as some of the world’s oldest free-standing structures. The island’s traditional villages, baroque churches, and fortified Citadel in Victoria echo centuries of craftsmanship, resilience, and quiet pride.

Adventure and Outdoor Spirit

Gozo’s diverse terrain makes it a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Runners and hikers can explore cliffside trails overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean, limestone valleys dotted with wild herbs, and coastal paths leading to hidden coves. Beyond the trail, Gozo is a hub for diving, climbing, kayaking, and cycling — a rare mix of challenge and serenity.

A Mediterranean Escape

What truly sets Gozo apart is its rhythm. Life here moves slower, anchored in the simplicity of nature and community. After the run, you’ll find local hospitality in family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood and wine from nearby vineyards. The sunsets, needless to say, are the kind that make you forget to check your phone.

Official languages: Maltese, English

Currency: Euro

The island of Gozo lies just north of Malta, and while it has no airport of its own, it’s easily accessible through a short and scenic journey.

Arriving at Malta

Most visitors arrive via Malta International Airport (Luqa). Regular flights to Malta International Airport are operated by several major airlines, including KM Malta Airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet, Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines, offering convenient connections from most European cities.

From Malta to Gozo

From there, it’s about an hour’s drive or taxi ride to Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal, where regular ferries connect Malta to Gozo in around 25 minutes. Ferries run day and night, and you can travel either on foot or with a vehicle.
There’s also a fast ferry service from Valletta straight to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo — about 45 minutes across sparkling blue water.

Getting Around the Island

Gozo is small but packed with things to see. The best way to explore freely is to rent a car, scooter, or e-bike. Local rental companies are available at the harbour and in Victoria, and booking ahead is always a good idea, especially during event weekends.

Public buses link major villages and beaches, but for runners chasing sunrise views or hidden trails, having your own set of wheels can make the difference.

Good to Know

Driving is on the left, like in the UK.

Gozo has particular traditional farmhouses, which are modernised buildings often with multiple bedrooms and a swimming pool. This is ideal for families or groups of friends.

There are plenty of B&Bs, small boutique hotels and apartments for rent, as it is still not peak season around the race.

If one seeks luxury, then there are 5 star hotels on the island of Gozo too.

If you want peace of mind our travel partner will be pleased to help you.

Malta is always bright and sunny, and early May is the tail end of Spring, so expect maximum temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius.

We always recommend sunblock and head covering, and a hydration pack to all participants, even through we have 4 or 5 aid stations around the route (every 10-12km) to top up and refresh.

Races start early when it is cooler, however the temperature peaks around 12 noon.

The main difference lies in eligibility and the opportunity to compete for the title.

The World Championship races are exclusive to participants who have qualified by winning a slot at an XTERRA event. These participants compete for the chance to become World Champion.

In contrast, the Open races allow anyone to race on the same course as the World Championship, but without the opportunity to win the World Champion title, prize money, or attend the awards function.

Entrants into the World Championship receive World Championship swag and memorabilia, Invitations to World Championship celebratory functions and eligibility to World Championship titles and prize money.

Only those who have qualified by winning a qualification slot at an XTERRA event are eligible to participate in the World Championship races.

The Open races are open to anyone who wishes to race on the same course as the World Championship participants. No prior qualification is required.

The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship is an annual, invite-only event in which participants must qualify by winning age group slots at qualifying events.

You will find all details on our Qualification Rules Page.

If you qualify for the World Championship during the season, please contact us at [email protected] for further instructions.

No license nor medical certificate is required to race at championship and open races. Although we strongly encourage all participants to consult their doctor to ensure that their physical condition is suitable for the demands of a trail run over uneven terrain and under varying weather conditions. 

From the main island of Malta to the race in Gozo: 

Take the Gozo Ferry from Cirkewwa or the Fast Ferry from Valletta. Depending on where you are staying in Malta, taxis, buses, or even walking are options to get to the ferry terminal. Ferry tickets are not included in the race entry, and all athletes will be required to purchase their own tickets anytime they take the ferry. 

From the Gozo Ferry Terminal:

Transport from the ferry terminal in Mgarr is provided for all athletes on the morning of the 9th May between 6am and 9.30am from the Gozo Ferry Terminal in Mgarr to Ghajnsielem, which is the start of the marathon distance, transport to 20k and 12k starts, race HQ, and the finish area for all distances.

Family members can make the 10-minute walk up to the race venue from the ferry terminal. 

If you are staying in Gozo, you can drive or use private / public transport to get to the race venue in Ghajnsielem.

Race Start Shuttle:

For the half-marathon and 11K races, transport is provided from the race HQ / finish (Ghajnsielem) to the respective start (see schedule). Family members will not be able to use the athlete transport. 

Post-Race Shuttle (for athletes only):
16:30–18:30 from Ghajnsielem to Mgarr Harbour

NOTE: No return transport to 21K or 11K start lines after races. If you use your own transport to get to the start, you need to organise your own transport to go back for your car/vehicle. 

Wednesday | 15:00–19:00@ Nike Store, Level -2, The Point, Sliema

Your Race Pack includes:

• Your Race Number which you need to wear on Race Day

• Official Race T-shirt (you do not need to race in this but can if you wish to) 

• Some goodies from our awesome sponsors 

We strive to make the pickup as fast and smooth as possible so please help us do this by preparing: 

• Your QR code (emailed to you immediately upon registration confirmation from Active/ Un Ltd.) 

• Your bib number (which you’ll find on the start list on site as we'll work in number order this time. Picking up for a friend? No Problem :) Please have their QR code and bib number ready too

International visitors/Gozitans: You can collect your race pack up to 1 hour before your race on Saturday.

Yes you can! Someone from the crew will be around the whole time so you can leave them at HQ. However we will be busy bees all day, so we cannot be held responsible for your belongings.

You may find the rules in each race page but here's a short summary:

• No external help is allowed ie pacers not part of the race, friends/family supplying refreshments along the way etc. External assistance can lead to disqualification.

• You must carry a fully charged mobile phone on you at all times with the race director's number saved as well as sufficient water and nutrition.

• Running bare chested is not allowed

• Littering of any sort is not tolerated and will result in disqualification.

• This is a tough race, if you see anyone in difficulty exhibit sportsmanship and help them or notify one of our team so we can get to them while you continue your race.

Transfer and refund
There are no refunds, transfers or deferrals on entry fees for the World Championship races. 
It will not be possible to upgrade or downgrade into the Half or Full Marathon World Championship unless you have previously qualified for the 2026 event. Additional fees will be charged if there is an upward difference in price.
In the case of FORCE MAJEUR the race may be postponed by the organiser. All participants will be automatically moved to the postponed date if it is within the same race year. There are no refund of entry fee (or any portion of) or any other costs incurred in connection with the event in the case of FORCE MAJEUR.

All competitors must carry compulsory kit for safety reasons. The lists can be found on the page for the specific race distance. Spot checks will be in place and anybody found without the required kit will not be allowed to race.

Yes, there is a 10 hour cut off time for the marathon distance: 6pm. Any athlete reaching the finish line after this time will we DNF (Dit Not Finish).

Running poles are allowed during the race. However, each participant is responsible for using them safely and respectfully, ensuring they do not endanger or inconvenience other runners.

This is a semi self-sufficient race and you are required to carry a minimum 500-1000ml water and anything you need on you. Temperatures are warm so take more than you think you need. You can use our aid stations to refill.

Four aid stations will be available for the marathon distance at Sannat, Dwejra, Xwejni and Dahlet Qorrot.
One aid station will be available for the half-marathon distance at Dahlet Qorrot.
No aid stations are available for the 11K.

Each aid station will provide water, isotonic, fruits, sweet & salty snacks.
Our amazing and tireless volunteers will be there to help you refuel.

No external support is allowed ie you can only refuel from our official aid stations or what you're carrying on your back.

We will also have refreshments and snacks at race HQ when you finish.

Food will be available at Giuseppis, the restaurant which is very close to the race HQ. You will have to walk up about 10 stairs though! You may need to hobble up.

Yes. There are public toilets just up the road from race HQ and at the Band Club, Giuseppi's. We suggest that you bring some extra tissue paper.

Showers are not confirmed yet. We will keep you posted here

The XTERRA Trail Run World Series aims to unify the entire global XTERRA trail run community in a single series that is inclusive and accessible for any and all trail run enthusiasts around the world. 

Different to the many elite and performance-focused series that exist, the XTERRA Trail Run World Series combines three of XTERRA’s dearest values: Challenge, Adventure, and Community, to create a series that is open to all, provides the opportunity to explore the most beautiful trails the world has to offer, and to do so in the company of one of the friendliest communities in the racing industry. 

More info https://www.xterraplanet.com/trail-run-world-series

Be part of the XTERRA community and help us create an amazing athlete experience.

We highly appreciate your time and our volunteers are rewarded with free XTERRA race entries which they can use for themselves or transfer to someone else. Check out the reward system for details here.

To volunteer at XTERRA Malta, get in touch with Karla at [email protected]