The brainchild of Barry Whitmore, a marathon runner with several international marathons under his belt, the Malta International Challenge Marathon was incepted back in 1991 when the first ever race took place.

For the past twenty-five years, the Malta International Challenge Marathon, has been Malta’s only multiday race, a staple event on the Maltese athletic calendar, attracting locals and foreigners alike. Spread over a period of three consecutive days, athletes cover a distance which measures exactly 42.195km.

This race has attracted well known local athletes such as Keith Galea, Jonathan Balzan, Brian Magri, Andrew Grech, Charlton Debono, Joe Pace, Joelle Cortis, Josann Attard Pulis, Carol Walsh and Carmen Hili as well as multiple winner David Mansbridge from England to mention a few.

The introduction of relay teams in 2014 saw a new influx of runners who wanted to be part of the buzz this event generates but who do not necessarily want or have the ‘miles’ in their legs to undertake the whole distance.

Over the years the race has welcomed over 5,000 runners on the starting line, representing over 27 countries from across all continents.

With the every growing participation and demands such a race brings with it, 2015 saw Race Founder Barry Whitmore feel the need to pass on the helm to Birkirkara St. Joseph Sports Club who have garnered years of experience in race organization and whose experience will be pivotal to making this event becoming even more prominent on the map of world marathon running.

As of 2016, the Malta International Challenge Marathon will see a change in distances covered per day as well as a global change in race venues. The Marathon will kick off on Friday 25th November with a 10 mile (16k) race to be held in Siggiewi, the next stage held on Saturday 26th November in Marsascala consisting of a 5k race and the third and final leg will be a 21km (half marathon) race on Sunday 27th November in Bugibba. Athletes can sign up for the full distance, or any of the three distances individually or as a relay team of three with each member of the team undertaking one day each.

The Malta International Challenge Marathon will be held under the auspices of the Malta Amateur Athletics Association and following IAAF rules.