LifeStar Malta Marathon 2026, Sliema, Malta
Overview
The LifeStar Malta Marathon is the island’s premier international road race, offering a unique point-to-point course that connects the ancient capital of Mdina with the modern coastal town of Sliema. Celebrated for its Mediterranean charm, the race begins in the early morning shadows of the “Silent City” fortifications and descends through rolling countryside, rural villages, and historic towns. The 2026 edition continues this long-standing tradition, inviting thousands of runners and walkers from around the globe to experience Malta’s rich cultural tapestry and limestone architecture under the mild winter sun.
The event is more than just a race; it is a full-day festival of fitness that caters to a wide spectrum of participants. Alongside the full marathon distance, the day includes a half-marathon and the popular “Endo” Walkathon, ensuring that both elite athletes and casual walkers can cross the finish line on the vibrant Sliema promenade. With a course that is predominantly downhill or flat, it remains one of Europe’s fastest early-season marathons, providing a perfect opportunity for participants to set personal records while soaking in panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Mediterranean Sea.
Event Highlights
- Mdina Departure: Begin your journey at the gates of the medieval walled city of Mdina, perched on a hill with views stretching across the entire island.
- Downhill Route Profile: Benefit from a course that drops approximately 212 meters in elevation, starting high in the center of the island and finishing at sea level.
- Sliema Waterfront Finish: Conclude your race on the iconic Sliema Ferries promenade, where massive crowds and sea breezes welcome finishers across the line.
- Inclusive Race Categories: Choose from the Full Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), Walkathon, or the 5 km Charity Run for a distance that suits your fitness level.
Why Attend
History enthusiasts and active travelers should attend the Malta Marathon to experience a race that effectively serves as a guided tour of the island’s heritage. The route is meticulously planned to showcase Malta’s unique landscape, transitioning from the quiet, narrow alleys of Rabat and Mdina to the bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere of the coast. For those coming from colder climates, the February timing offers a refreshing Mediterranean escape with temperatures typically averaging a comfortable 15°C (59°F).
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The event is particularly praised for its community spirit, with local residents lining the streets and live bands playing at various points along the route to keep motivation high. It is an ideal destination for a marathon “runcation,” as the island’s small size allows participants to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Valletta and the ancient temples of Hagar Qim all within the same weekend. Whether you are running for a medal or walking for charity, the sense of accomplishment at the finish line in Sliema is an experience that stays with you long after the race.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026.
- Start Times: The Full Marathon begins at 6:45 AM from Mdina, while the Half Marathon and Walkathon start at 8:15 AM.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Sliema, Malta (Finish Area).
- Venue: Start in Mdina (Ancient Walled City); Finish at Sliema Ferries Promenade.
- Google Maps Address: Sliema Ferries, Tower Road, Sliema, Malta.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is handled online via the official Malta Marathon website; entries are strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Admission Type: Separate registrations are available for the Marathon, Half Marathon, Walkathon, 5 km Charity Run, and Kids Race.
- Ticket Pricing: Marathon fees range from $60.00 to $76.00 (approx. 55 to 70 Euro) based on registration date; Half Marathon fees range from $49.00 to $65.00.
- Free Admission: Spectators can watch the race for free at any point along the route, with the best viewing spots at the Mdina start and Sliema finish.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Pre-paid transport tickets from the Sliema finish area to the Mdina start line are available for approximately $5.50 per person.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@maltamarathon.com
- Phone: +356 7930 0079
- Website: https://maltamarathon.com/
- Social Media:
- https://www.instagram.com/themaltamarathon/
- https://www.facebook.com/themaltamarathon
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Malta International Airport (MLA), approximately 10 km from Sliema (approx. 20 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by bus).
- Public Transport: Use the TD3 Express bus to reach Sliema directly (approx. $3.00 for a single ticket); local buses serve the seafront frequently.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from the airport to Sliema cost a fixed rate of approximately $22.00 to $28.00; apps like Bolt and Uber are widely used.
- Parking: Extremely limited in Sliema and Mdina on race day; participants are strongly advised to use the official shuttle buses to the start line.
- Other Access: A ferry service runs between Valletta and Sliema (approx. $3.00), offering a scenic way to reach the finish area.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Barcelo Fortina Malta (5-star, 0.1 km, official race headquarters and finish line adjacent, approx. $210-380/night); AX The Palace (5-star, 0.5 km, luxury finish area access, approx. $180-320/night).
- Mid-Range Options: The Waterfront Hotel (4-star, 0.8 km, official hotel along the seafront, approx. $110-190/night); AX The Victoria Hotel (4-star, 0.6 km, approx. $100-170/night).
- Budget Stays: Alborada Apart Hotel (2-star, 0.3 km, simple self-catering units, approx. $60-110/night); Bayview Hotel by ST Hotels (3-star, 0.9 km, approx. $50-95/night).
Reviews
- The downhill start from Mdina is great for speed, but the coastal finish in Sliema is where the real atmosphere is.
- A well-organized event with fantastic medals; the scenery of the historic villages is beautiful.
- It is not a completely traffic-free course, so caution is needed, but the organization and volunteers are top-notch.
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FAQ's
Where do I collect my race number and participant pack?
For non-residents, race bib collection is held at the Barcelo Fortina Hotel in Sliema on the Friday (12:30 PM to 6:00 PM) and Saturday (2:00 PM to 9:30 PM) before the race. Residents have separate collection dates at Eurosport in Birkirkara. You must bring your ID or Passport number used during registration to collect your pack, which includes your timing chip, t-shirt, and magazine.
How do I get to the start line in Mdina on race morning?
Official shuttle buses depart from the finish area in Sliema. For the Full Marathon, transport leaves at 5:30 AM for a 6:45 AM start. For the Half Marathon and Walkathon, transport leaves at 7:00 AM for an 8:15 AM start. Tickets for this transport cost approximately $5.50 and should be pre-booked online during the application process.
What are the time limits for the various races?
The Full Marathon has a strict time limit of 5 hours from the start time. The Half Marathon has a time limit of 3 hours, while the Walkathon is more flexible with a limit of 3 hours and 45 minutes. Participants who fall behind these times may be asked to move to the side as roads begin to reopen to public traffic.
Are there hydration and sponge stations along the course?
Yes, the Marathon route features 8 water stations, 5 sponge stations, and 2 Powerade stations, as well as a fruit stand. The Half Marathon and Walkathon have 4 water stations, 3 sponge stations, and 2 Powerade stations. These are well-spaced to ensure all runners stay hydrated and cooled throughout the rolling route.
Can I drop off a bag at the start to be collected at the finish?
Organizers provide a clothes bag during registration. You can put your warm clothing in this bag at the Mdina start line, and it will be transported to the finish area in Sliema for you. Ensure your race number is clearly marked on the bag. The organizers are not responsible for high-value items, so it is best to keep electronics and jewelry with you or at your hotel.
