Malta Marathon 2013

Just got back home - what a fantastic weekend and a superb event. 

I met some lovely people, had a great run, and enjoyed some welcome sunshine.  It was a bit breezy sat out on the seafront yesterday until gone 6pm, drinking beer, chilling, etc.

My HM time was 2:17 (by the finshing clock) so my chip time may be 2:16 or so.

Hi all,

Its' great to hear that you all had a great event. Mine wasnt so great - you can read the full report either here or on the Facebook Group: Malta Marathon. The runners in the marathon had to put up with no marshals, going off course, no support or water in the last 6 miles. It wasnt really pleasant. I've noted my concerns to the RD but I'm not too sure that i'd go back there for the full marathon again.

So sorry you had a rough time Emmy - I had exactly the same breathing problems at last year's Reading half-marathon, only two weeks after running a full marathon.  I found I was walking after barely a mile - it was hideous.

Well done for perservering, and good news you receieved your medal - it's a great one.

mel - the temperature was 'normal' but I heard from a native that it was warming up a lot quicker this year than previous years. Apparently the marathon isnt well known there. I heard so many things about the marathon before I went and was really excited.

I'd recommend emailing the RD with your feedback as they are thinking of moving the walkathlon/half marathon to a later point in time. I think this would help you as a speedier runner. I'm really hoping that they improve the marathon for other years and runners - then at least I could understand and accept my bad experience.

By the way - the girl that got lost: This is her comment from the marathon page:

"Ok well that was an experience! my first dnf in a marathon and my first overseas one! that wasn't planned! Not the day that I had expected, and not necessarily one I would want to repeat in a hurry! Single female, strange country, no marshalls where expected so got lost on course, locals who didnt know how to help, no water so having to 'recycle' other bottles. No contact number for incase of emergency at race headquarters and had to ring friend to rescue me as I hsd no idea where the hell I was! On that note thank to Peter who came to my rescue. There is a lot more I have to say on this but will post in a private email. If I come back next year I need assurrance there will have been changes for the better because someone could have got hurt, or worse, yesterday!

Here is the BIG bling from Malta.

Well I am surprised at them comments. I ran the marathon and no troubles. I thought the organisation was excellent. I had a small issue with a water station where I had to snap a bottle out of one of the sealed 12 packs because they were not quick enough but apart from that I was happy with the marshalls and course. I did notice that water was a little scarce at some water stations but I had the best race ever.

I managed 3hr 59mins 14 secs so I was more than happy. I didn't get a subway at the end but I was more interested in the water and powerade because of the heat.

I know that the pollution from the cars was an issue. I was running behind a police motorbike for about 5 mins and the fumes were awful. It was also like this when we got to the more busier roads but hey this is Malta and I've also known Malta to be like this anyway.

If it was on again next week I would jump at the chance and can't wait for next year.

Maybe the organisers had not planned for the runners further down the field? I'm not sure.

@Andrew - My sister finished in 3.44 and had no issues (apart from the walkathon walkers taking up the entire road).

They were not planning for the runners at the 'back of the pack' despite telling us before we inscribed that they would be open/around until the 6hr mark and not to be concerned if we didnt hit the 5 hr mark.

I didnt read it - I heard it from the organisers at the Nike pick up point (i think the RD was there too but I dont know what he looks like)