The team behind Run Gozo, organising the Ġirja t’Għawdex, is busy finalising the details of the 50th edition of what has become an iconic event in Gozo’s calendar and the premier athletic activity in Gozo’s outdoor activities realm. VisitGozo interviewed Mr. Alfred Tabone, one of the dedicated volunteers who handles the event, to discuss this year’s event, which has become a race for all, from first-timers to pros.

Set to take place on Sunday, 27th April, the Ġirja t’Għawdex is one event that attracts participants from around the globe.  Mr. Tabone points out that the run is the oldest organised running event in the Maltese Islands and knows its origins in the Xagħra local parish. In 1977, Fr. Anton Refalo started this annual event. Today, it is part of the celebrations of Jum ix-Xagħra (Xagħra Day), and a group of volunteers within the Xagħra Youth Centre handles this event. What started in 1977 with around 35 participants has grown to bring together over 1,500 athletes from over 50 countries.

Il-Ġirja t’Għawdex is an event during which fitness, fun, and scenic beauty meet. While the ultimate goal of this event is to enjoy the outdoors and breathe in the island’s beauty, it will include a variety of races targeted at athletes with different levels of prowess and interest and from different age groups.

The Half Marathon, being the most challenging, is aimed at the well-seasoned competitor.  Meandering over a distance of just over 21K, routing around the iconic coast of Marsalforn, Qbajjar and Xwejni, known as the salt pans zone, it then winds inland to Għasri, eventually passing by Ta’ Pinu Shrine and through the Gozitan countryside en route to Victoria, before looping back up to the iconic Xagħra Square.  Mindful that the half marathon attracts an international audience, the route was carefully designed to appeal to the athlete who travels to Gozo for a spring break and participates in the run. Athletes taking this route often express their delight at being able to run through these places.  The 10K Race is also a route that has been planned with sightseeing in mind, and athletes will get to admire some of Gozo’s iconic landmarks.  The 10K follows a shorter route starting in Xagħra.  It descends into the valley that leads to Marsalforn, with picturesque views of Salvatur Hill.  It then loops back to Victoria, under the gaze of the Citadel, before tackling the challenging uphill stretch known as ‘Tal-Qaċċa’ and crossing the finish line.  Mr. Tabone highlights that both the half marathon and the 10K routes have been certified by AIMS, and another key achievement is that Athletics Malta (MAAA) has awarded the race a ‘Gold Label’ status.

While the half marathon and the 10K are more suitable for the more prepared athletes, other races like the less strenuous 5K Race, the 10K and 5K Walkathlons, the Family 2K Fun Run, a 2K and 900m kids races have been designed to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy running or walking in the Gozitan outdoors. Mr. Tabone keenly explains that with such a range of races, everybody has a reason to visit Gozo and participate in this inclusive event. Ultimately, this is all about promoting a healthy lifestyle.  Last year, the introduction of a 900m race for kids made it possible for even 3-year-olds to join the fun!

Il-Ġirja t’Għawdex, recently rebranded, is the culmination of voluntary work, through parent NGO Run Gozo, focused on delivering a fantastic athletic and memorable run to all participants.  As he delves into what goes on behind the scenes, Mr. Tabone shares his pride in the fact that everything is handled by a group of around 20 young volunteers, which is an admirable facet and noteworthy value of today’s society.  As an NGO, they have regular meetings, but most of the work occurs during the last few weeks and on the race day.  As a non-profit organisation, anything earned during the activity is reinvested in next year’s edition, and the team of organisers recognises the event’s ‘heritage’ aspect as the oldest running event on the island.  Likewise, they focus on innovation.  During the COVID years, they were the first to hold two editions of the virtual run, and in 2019, they also organised the first Running Expo, which took place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ġgantija. This was the first event of its kind in Malta, representing a significant milestone for the volunteering team.

Over the years, this event evolved in various ways, mirroring the growing interest in running as an outdoor sport. As the event grew, the original route was shifted to ensure that the traffic disruptions for the residents were minimised.  This was a win-win situation as the route now sprawls outside the villages, giving it a tranquil and more inspiring path. The organising team also works hard to ensure that the event remains environmentally friendly, roping in ideas like using electric vehicles and an efficient system of handing out drinking water that minimises plastic usage.  Mr. Tabone explains that with every passing year, the number of participants grows, and this serves as a catalyst for the team to work harder and present a more professional and successful event.  Similarly, the positive accolades and comments of the participants drive the group forward.

As January ends, it’s time to mark your calendar! The organising team is ready to welcome you to Gozo this spring. Get going by checking out the details on their website (www.rungozo.org) or across all socials, and you’ll soon be on your way to Gozo’s most inclusive running event!

With special thanks to Mr. Alfred Tabone, Ms. Therese Galea and the Run Gozo Committee.