This year’s 50th anniversary edition of Il-Girja t’Ghawdex has achieved a historic milestone, drawing a record-breaking 1,550 athletes from 51 countries. The half marathon winners were Joseph Arundel and Veronica Kersyte, whilst Rodrick Cilia and Maria Cumbo finished first in our 10K. David Borg and Jael Vella won our 5K race. The event’s half marathon record was broken, with also 2nd-placed, local running legend Charlton Debono breaking his personal record in this route. The organisers said that since its first race in 1977, Il-Girja t’Ghawdex has grown from a small, local event to a major competition, attracting athletes from all corners of the world. The race is known for its challenging route, which takes participants across Gozo’s stunning terrain, showcasing the island’s captivating natural beauty while pushing athletes to their physical and mental limits. This year, the event’s success and enduring legacy were also celebrated with a special exhibition entitled Il-Girja t’Ghawdex: A Legacy Through Time, which focused on the early days of the event and its journey through five decades, which includes international certifications from European Athletics, MAAA and AIMS. The exhibition offered visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history of the race, featuring historical photographs, memorabilia, and stories from past participants. It provided a deep dive into the event’s evolution, from humble beginnings in 1977 to its present-day status as one of Malta’s most celebrated sporting events. The display underscored how the race has become an integral part of Gozo’s cultural identity, attracting not only international athletes but also local communities who have embraced it as a symbol of resilience, endurance, and pride. The race was not just a celebration of history but also a look to the future. For the first time, the race was broadcast live on TVM Sport, offering viewers from around the world the opportunity to experience the action in real-time. The live television broadcast allowed spectators to witness the beauty of Gozo’s landscape and the intensity of the competition, making the race accessible to a global audience.The organisers said that this was also done to build upon the huge demand following the online live-streaming of this event in 2023 and 2024 via the Parish’s official channels. The event also featured a moving Thanksgiving Mass on the 25th April, where Mgr. Anton Refalo, the founder of Il-Girja t’Ghawdex, was in attendance. Mgr. Refalo, who led the Xaghra Youth Centre in 1977, played a pivotal role in establishing the race, which was originally conceived as a youth initiative to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. In his address, Mgr. Refalo reflected on the journey of the event and the incredible transformation it has undergone over the years, expressing his gratitude for the continued support from the local community and athletes alike. One of the defining characteristics of this event has always been the unwavering dedication of volunteers, the organisers said. “This year, the event was again entirely organised by volunteers from the Xaghra Youth Centre, whose hard work and commitment were instrumental in ensuring the race’s success. Their efforts were integral to the smooth running of the event, from race registration to logistics, safety, and the encouragement they provided to the athletes throughout the race.” “The amazing people of Xaghra and Gozo played a crucial role in the event’s success as well, with their patience and hospitality making it a welcoming and memorable experience for athletes and visitors. Their support has been essential in maintaining the event’s charm and sense of community, making it much more than just a race – but a true celebration of the island’s spirit and culture,” said the organisers. The 2025 edition of Il-Girja t’Ghawdex not only set new attendance records (1,555 participants – eclipsed the 2019 record by around 150 participants) but also reaffirmed the race’s commitment to innovation whilst promoting Gozo’s natural beauty. “For this edition we tried to go the extra mile, in terms of sustainability and crafted all trophies from excess traditional Gozitan stone (left from another ongoing project), to reduce waste. We also made sure that all drinking cups used by our athletes in the main square and in all water stations were 100% compostable. Finally, our lead cars were 100% electric,” said the organisers. The organisers expressed their “special thanks” to all the athletes, all volunteers within the Xaghra Youth Centre, and the people of Gozo for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. “Without their contributions, this unforgettable edition would not have been possible. As the event enters its next chapter, the future of Il-Girja t’Ghawdex looks brighter than ever.” Full race results can be viewed by clicking here. Photos: Il-Girja t’Ghawdex