Volunteers
with one
common goal.
We are an enthusiast group of volunteers with one common goal — to deliver, with success, il-Ġirja t'Għawdex. Beyond race day, we promote a healthy lifestyle, create a unique experience for every participant, and celebrate all that is Gozitan.
Since 1977
From a single 35-runner race in February 1977 — the first road race ever held in the Maltese Islands — to over 1,700 athletes from 57 countries today.
The first edition of il-Ġirja t'Għawdex took place on the 6th of February 1977. Inspirational to the start of this annual event was Fr. Anton Refalo, who derived the idea from similar activities he had taken part in when living in Rome.
Forty years later, what began as a local initiative for 35 runners now caters for athletes from all over the world. Today it stands as one of Gozo's main sporting events and one of the most craved races in the Maltese Islands — successfully coordinated by a group of youths from the Xaghra Youth Centre.
Recent accomplishments include the 3-Star Certification from European Athletics, the 5-Star Certification for our 10K, and our Gold Label race status from Athletics Malta.
Five decades on the road
- 1977Where it all began
- The first-ever road race held in the Maltese Islands. Inspired by Fr. Anton Refalo.
- The event ran twice that founding year.
- 1991
- A new 13.1-mile race format applied for the first time at the 16th edition.
- 120 athletes participated.
- 1998
- Re-named the Gozo Half Marathon.
- New 2 km and 4 km races introduced for younger athletes.
- 20173-Star certified
- ~700 athletes at the Teamsport Gozo Half Marathon.
- Awarded the 3-Star Certification from European Athletics — a first for Malta.
- 2018Fair Play launched
- 1,274 athletes from 60 countries.
- The Fair Play Project was launched. 15 volunteers travelled to Guatemala. €37,766 raised.
- 20195-Star 10K
- The 10K was awarded the 5-Star Certification from European Athletics.
- 1,439 athletes from 58 countries on the start line.
- Gozo Tourism Authority awarded our team the Cultural Achievement Tourism Award.
- 2023Re-brand to Run Gozo
- 1,117 athletes from 40 countries.
- Introduction of our own 5K route for runners and walkers.
- The organisation rebranded to Run Gozo; the race became Il-Ġirja t'Għawdex.
- 2024
- 1,315 athletes from 50 countries at the 49th edition.
- For the first time since 1977, more female than male athletes — a feat achieved in our 5K.
- 2025The 50th
- The iconic 50th edition.
- 2026
- The 51st edition.
- 2027Next up
- The 52nd edition — Sunday, 25 April 2027.
They just have the heart
The volunteer crew making it all happen, year after year, from the Xaghra Youth Centre.
- FMFr. Michael GaleaXagħra Youth Centre Director
- MBMark BonniciPresident
- JGJoseph GaleaRace Director
- KAKaren AttardSecretary General
- JAJodie AgiusFinance Director
- PCPaul CutajarTechnology, Data & Awards Lead
- FMFrancienne MuscatCompliance & Safety Lead
- ASAndrew SultanaLogistics Lead
- LCLorna CutajarCommunity & Participant Relations Lead
- EHEman HaberPartnerships Lead
- DRDaniel RapaCourse Closure & Permits Lead
- LALuke AttardCourse Planning Lead
- TGTherese GaleaMarketing & Communications Lead
- GZGianni ZarbDesign Lead
- MJMalcolm John CaruanaVendor & Procurement Lead
- MBMariah BorgTeam Member
- MFMiriana FarrugiaTeam Member
- MTMariah TheumaTeam Member
