Race-day guide

Getting to the Gozo Half Marathon — and around it on race day

Every race at il-Ġirja t'Għawdex starts and finishes in Xagħra Square, Gozo. Here's how to get there from Malta, where to park, what's on the course and what happens at the finish.

Times below are from the 2026 Race Info Pack. The 2027 pack is published closer to the event — check it for any changes.

Start times

Sunday, 25 April 2027

Race	Start	Distance	Start & finish
Gozo Half Marathon	7.30am	21.1km (13mi)	Xagħra Square
Gozo 10K Race	7.40am	10km (6.21mi)	Xagħra Square
Gozo 5K Race	8.00am	5km (3.11mi)	Xagħra Square
Gozo 10K Walkathon	7.40am	10km	Xagħra Square
Gozo 5K Walkathon	8.00am	5km	Xagħra Square
Gozo Family 2K Run	10.30am	2km	Xagħra Square
Gozo Kids 2K Race	10.30am	2km	Xagħra Square
Gozo Kids 900m Race	10.30am	900m	Xagħra Square

Getting there

From Malta to Xagħra

Ferry and free shuttle

Take the 05:45 ferry from Ċirkewwa. The crossing is paid — it isn't included in your entry.
A free shuttle bus leaves Mġarr Harbour ferry terminal for Xagħra Square when that ferry arrives, at 06:30.
After the race, shuttles leave Tempji bus stop, Xagħra for the ferry at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30.

The fast ferry from Valletta does not arrive in time for the race-morning shuttle.

Park & Ride from Ta' Xħajma

Parking in Xagħra is very limited and often unavailable on race morning. Leave the car at Ta' Xħajma and take the shuttle.

Morning · every 10 min: 06:30–07:20
After the race · every 15 min: 11:00–12:00

Race village

In Xagħra Square, Gozo

Start and finish lines
Information point
Bag drop
Toilets and showers
First aid
Supplements stand
Results screen
Presentation stage
Shuttle buses to Park & Ride and to the ferry

On the course

What to expect

Gozo Half Marathon

A single loop of north and west Gozo. From Xagħra Square the route drops to the coast at Marsalforn, follows the shoreline past Qbajjar, turns inland through Għasri, crosses to Victoria (Rabat) and climbs back up to finish in Xagħra Square.

Kilometre markers and water stations roughly every 3 km
Energy gels at the 8 km water station; Gatorade at the station around 11 km
Toilets on the course in Marsalforn and Victoria
Music points along the route
Pacers for 1:40, 1:50, 2:00 and 2:10 finishes

Gozo 10K Race

Loops through the lanes north of Xagħra, descends the Marsalforn valley road towards Victoria, bottoms out at about 30 m on the edge of town and climbs back to finish in Xagħra Square, at about 140 m. Expect a long climb in the second half.

Kilometre markers and water stations roughly every 3 km
Water, showers, toilets and first aid at the Xagħra Square finish

Gozo 5K Race

Loops through the streets and country lanes around Xagħra, staying between about 100 m and 145 m above sea level, and finishes in Xagħra Square.

Shares its route with the 5K Walkathon

The route is marked with signs and painted arrows. Lead vehicles, police officers and the Emergency Response & Rescue Corps (ERRC) accompany every race.

Before you start

Race rules

Wear your race number on the front throughout the race — visible and not folded.
The timing chip is on the back of the number; do not tamper with it.
Elite athletes have priority at the front of the start.
Walkathon participants gather behind the running group.
Pushing other athletes to gain an advantage means immediate disqualification.