8th – 11th May 2026
Run the Island โ The XTERRA Malta Trail Run Experience
Thereโs something magical about discovering an island on foot.
From the deep blue Mediterranean coastline, your trail begins โ winding across limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and ancient paths shaped by centuries of history.
This isnโt just a race, itโs an experience of Maltaโs wild side.
Youโll run along dramatic coastal ridges where the sea meets the sky, climb through rugged countryside and timeless villages, and explore trails that reveal the islandโs raw beauty beyond the beaches.
Each stride takes you deeper into Maltaโs rhythm, its landscapes, its light, its culture. From sunrise runs above the sea to evenings shared over fresh Mediterranean food, this is the Malta few visitors truly experience.
And at the heart of it all is the XTERRA Trail Run, an unforgettable race through some of the islandโs most spectacular terrain.
By the end of these four days, you wonโt just have run a race. Youโll have run the island.
Already signed up for XTERRA Trail Run Malta?
Run the Island โ The Ultimate XTERRA Trail Running Weekend in Malta
Get ready for an unforgettable trail running escape in spectacular Malta, an island of dramatic cliffs, hidden coastal paths, and sun-soaked Mediterranean landscapes.
Join us for an epic weekend built around the XTERRA Trail Run Malta, where youโll run rugged trails overlooking the sea, explore some of the islandโs most scenic routes, and experience the raw beauty that makes Malta a rising destination for trail runners.
Between runs, soak up the island lifestyle: fresh Mediterranean food, historic villages, and golden sunsets over the water. Our local guides will take you beyond the racecourse to discover trails and viewpoints most visitors never see.
Whether youโre coming just for the race or adding the Run the Island 3-Night Experience, this is your chance to combine competition, adventure, and island culture in one incredible trail running getaway.
XTERRA Malta isnโt just a race โ itโs an island trail running experience.
Run it. Explore it. Live it.
Donโt miss this unforgettable adventure.
Suggested Flights
Runners should plan to arrive in Malta on Monday, May 8th by 5:30 PM, we’ll trasfer together to Valletta Harbour.
If you arrive the day before, youโre welcome to join the group directly at Valletta Harbour on Monday. This makes travel easy and gives you the chance to settle in and explore Maltaโs capital before the adventure begins.
On Monday, May 8th, at 6:30 PM, weโll all meet at Valletta Harbour, the historic capital of Malta, to catch the ferry to the beautiful island of Gozo, where our Run the Island experience begins.
Departure
Our experience finishes on Monday, November 11th after lunch, following our final run just 3 km from Malta International Airport. From there, weโll provide transportation to the airport for those flying out later that afternoon or evening.
If you prefer a more relaxed departure, you can return to Valletta and stay an additional night, flying home on Tuesday morning.
Weโre happy to help you before you book your flights. Our goal is to connect runners ahead of time so you can coordinate arrival schedules and possibly share transfers to Valletta.
For travel assistance, feel free to contact us at info@multisportsexperience.com
3 Stages – Gozo Island to Airport Trail Run Adventure โ Gozo, Rabat & Cliffs
After arriving in Gozo and checking in at the hotel, runners will have the option to join a relaxed 7โ10 km shakeout run on Monday evening, a great way to loosen the legs and preview the islandโs scenic trails.
For those looking for a different challenge, there is also the option to participate in the XTERRA Trail Run Race (12 km or 50 km) taking place on Sunday.
Itinerary
Day 1 โ Arrival in Valletta & Ferry to Gozo
Your adventure begins in the historic harbour of Valletta, Maltaโs stunning capital overlooking the Mediterranean.
Weโll meet by 6.30 PM in the evening at Valletta Harbour, where the group will gather before boarding the ferry to the island of Gozo. Travel time: about 45 minutes. As the boat leaves the Grand Harbour behind, enjoy spectacular views of Maltaโs fortified coastline and the open Mediterranean ahead.
After arriving in Gozo, weโll transfer to our hotel to check in and settle into island life. In the evening, runners can join an optional easy 7โ10 km shakeout run, a relaxed way to stretch the legs and explore the Ghajnsielem village.
Weโll finish the day with a welcome dinner, sharing great local food and getting ready for the trail running adventures ahead. The perfect start to your Run the Island โ XTERRA Malta experience.
Day 2 โ Race Day: XTERRA Trail Run Gozo
Today is race day โ the highlight of the Run the Island experience.
After breakfast, weโll head to the start area of the XTERRA Trail Run, where the energy builds as runners gather for one of Maltaโs most spectacular trail races. The course winds through Gozoโs rugged landscapes, following coastal cliffs, rocky paths, and scenic countryside trails overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean.
Expect a challenging and rewarding route that showcases the islandโs wild beauty โ dramatic views, technical sections, and the unforgettable atmosphere that makes XTERRA events so special.
After crossing the finish line and celebrating your achievement, weโll enjoy a well-earned local lunch, sharing race stories and soaking in the relaxed island vibe.
The afternoon is yours to relax, recover, or explore Gozo, before regrouping in the evening for a celebratory dinner โ the perfect way to toast an incredible XTERRA race day.
Stage 1; https://www.strava.com/routes/3467478350733879972
Day 3 โ Coastal Trail Adventure Run
Today we explore Maltaโs spectacular coastline with a scenic trail run across the island. The run starts near the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal and follows coastal trails and countryside paths south across the island, finishing at the dramatic cliffs of Dingli.
Distance: 19โ23 km depending on route options.
Highlights: Mediterranean cliff views, coastal trail sections, views of Popeye Village, and an optional cafรฉ stop along the route.
After the run weโll head to the Blue Grotto area for a well-earned lunch, located just 6 km from Malta International Airport.
In the afternoon you can relax or explore nearby highlights such as Rabat or the historic St. Paulโs Catacombs.
In the evening weโll meet again for a group dinner at a local restaurant in Rabat, sharing stories from the dayโs run and enjoying Maltaโs great food.
Stage 2: https://www.strava.com/routes/3467136153472105306
Day 4 โ Morning Run & Departure
We start the final day with a relaxed morning run from Dingli to ลปurrieq, following scenic coastal paths along Maltaโs dramatic southern cliffs.
Distance: 11.7 km
Run time: about 75โ80 minutes at an easy pace.
Itโs the perfect final run of the trip, with beautiful sunrise views over the Mediterranean and a relaxed pace to enjoy the last kilometers together.
After the run weโll stop at a local cafรฉ for coffee and breakfast, soaking in the atmosphere before the journey home.
Around midday weโll head to the Blue Grotto area for lunch, located just 6 km from Malta International Airport.
After lunch, transportation will take runners directly to the airport for afternoon or evening flights. Youโll leave with tired legs, a happy heart, and memories of an unforgettable run across Malta โ from Xwejni, Gozo to Malta’s Airport.
Travel Tip:
We recommend booking late Monday afternoon or evening flights from Malta. If you prefer a more relaxed departure, you can also choose to fly out on Tuesday morning.
Stage 3: https://www.strava.com/routes/3467141536451994834
Things to bring:
- Trail running shoes (suitable for rocky and coastal terrain)
- Trail running vest or small hydration pack
- Lightweight windproof or rain jacket
- Sunglasses and hat / cap
- Trail running gear (shorts/tights, technical shirts, socks)
- Hydration flasks or soft bottles
- Energy snacks or gels for longer runs
- Comfortable activewear suited to warm Mediterranean days and cooler mornings/evenings
What is included?
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast and lunch on Day 4
- Three nightsโ accommodation in the Gozo and Malta islands
- Guided runs with stunning views. 2 guides, including luggage transport.
- Group airport return transfer from Malta Airport and Ferries
- Cultural excursion
What isnโt included?
- Local tourist tax
- Coffee breaks and running snacks
- Flights to and from Malta airport
- Travel Insurance
- Extra Alcohol and side dishes with meals
XTERRA Malta Trail Run Experience โ Highlights
- XTERRA Race Day โ Take on the XTERRA Trail Run, one of the Mediterraneanโs most exciting off-road races, running through rugged coastal trails, rocky terrain, and spectacular island landscapes.
- Run Across the Islands โ Experience two incredible trail stages across Malta and Gozo, linking dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, countryside paths, and historic villages.
- Epic Mediterranean Scenery โ Run along limestone cliffs, turquoise bays, and panoramic coastal trails with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Explore Maltaโs Wild Side โ Discover trails far beyond the usual tourist routes, from remote coastal ridges to quiet countryside tracks.
- Island Culture & Local Flavours โ Enjoy authentic Maltese food, seaside cafรฉs, and relaxed group dinners in historic towns and villages.
- Sunrise & Sunset Runs โ Start the day with golden Mediterranean light and finish with unforgettable coastal sunsets.
- Expert Local Support โ Our experienced guides and logistics team take care of transfers, routes, and support so you can focus on the running experience.
- Comfortable Island Stays โ Stay in carefully selected accommodations with smooth transfers between stages and locations.
- Run, Explore & Connect โ Share the adventure with fellow runners from around the world, creating a unique blend of challenge, exploration, and camaraderie across the Maltese islands.
Ready to Book?
Payments:
A โฌ400 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot.
Cancellation policy:
For eligible bike tours plus triathlon, swimming, and trail running, choose between paying a cancellation fee or receiving a future trip credit/partial trip credit based on the chart below (fees are per guest):
*You can request a full refund up to 14 days after you book when you book 14 or more days before the final payment due date.
Full payment must be received 60 days prior to the event.
You may still cancel up to 40 days before the event. See Cancellation Table above.
If booking is made within 40 days of the event, the full balance is required at the time of booking.
Contact us to discuss further
Multisports Experience 