Athlete check-in
Ghajnsielem (map)
The 2026 XTERRA Trail Half Marathon World Championship covers 20K of Gozo’s most spectacular terrain, beginning from a remote coastal start before joining the same perimeter route as the full marathon. Runners will trace the island’s rugged edge across limestone trails and sea cliffs that rise above the Mediterranean, earning breathtaking views and, for the fastest in each age division, the title of 2026 XTERRA Trail Half Marathon World Champion.
Included with your entry:
- transport to/from ferry,
- finisher's medal,
- official World Championship swag,
- after-race meal voucher (Giuseppi’s),
- award's dinner,
- isotonic
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.
As the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship, please note that this race is open only to athletes who have earned a qualifying slot at an XTERRA event. These participants compete for the World Champion title, prize money, and are invited to exclusive awards and dinner functions. Additionally, World Championship participants have an option to choose to start from a priority zone, giving them an advantage in start position and timing.
In contrast, the Open races welcome anyone to race on the same course, but without eligibility for the World Champion title, prize money, or attending the awards function.
Age requirement: 16+
MINIMUM KIT REQUIREMENTS
Your own hydration pack with 500ml water or isotonic minimum, carried between the 1 rest stop. Don't underestimate the heat and how much water you will actually need.
You must carry your Mobile phone, with full charge and credit to use in Malta/Gozo, with our Race Emergency Crew number on speed dial.
Trail running shoes are recommended.
Hat and sunscreen strongly recommended.
It is a tough course, if you see another runner in distress please help them or let one of our volunteers know.
1. Shoes and shirt/top are required at ALL times on the run course. Men running bare chested can be disqualified.
2. Race number must be clearly visible on the front of the runner at all times. A race belt may be used to secure the race number. Failure to wear a race number on the run will result in disqualification.
3. A runner may run or walk to complete the course.
4. Outside assistance from a non-participant or spectator is NOT allowed at any time on the run course. This means no receiving food, hydration, water/ice/sponges for cooling off from anyone except our volunteers at the 4 rest stops. Runners caught receiving external assistance can be disqualified.
5. Pacing from a non-participant or any kind of motorised vehicle is not allowed at any time on the run course.
6. No individual or team support vehicle may follow runners around the course.
7. Participants must give way to medical and emergency personnel at all times on the run course regardless of their race standing.
8. Respect local traffic rules and other vehicles on the road at all times.
9. Short-cutting and/or cutting trail switchbacks or any part of the course is not permitted and may result in disqualification. A runner is required to stay on the designated trail that is marked and or specified as the racecourse. It is the runner's responsibility to know the designated racecourse. Lack of tape or barrier on the course will not be constituted as an excuse for cutting course.
10. Runners must complete the entire run course unassisted. Failure to complete the course correctly will result in disqualification.
1. If for any reason a participant cannot finish the race, they must report to our volunteers at a rest stop or the finish line area. We will look for you if you do not advise us that you stopped so please let us know asap.
2. Littering on the run course is prohibited. Any item that needs to be discarded, including water bottles, gel wrappers, energy bar wrappers, broken bike parts, inner tubes, or clothing items, can only be discarded at aid / hydration stations.
3. Race numbers and race registration CANNOT be transferred unless done through Active well in advance. Participants found racing under a different name will be disqualified.
4. Consider the safety of yourself and other participants at all times during the race. Treat other participants, race officials, race marshals, medical staff, traffic enforcers, and spectators with respect and courtesy before, during and after the race.
5. Participants shall refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, including the improper use of language or conduct directed toward another participant, race official, race marshal, medical staff or traffic enforcer, and spectators.
6. Any protest relating to race results must be submitted in writing to the Race Director within one hour of the final race cutoff.
7. In case of severe weather on race day, XTERRA Malta reserves the right to make the necessary adjustments to the racecourse to ensure the safety of all participants.
8. XTERRA Malta reserves the right to make rule changes at any time provided all athletes are notified on the website and at the pre-race athlete.
For more info about the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship qualification process, please check the dedicated page on our website.
XTERRA is a global lifestyle brand that champions the outdoor enthusiast in their pursuit of relentless adventure.
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