More than 70 athletes are competing in this year's Hellfire Triathlon on August 28.
The third in the series after the Lungbuster and the Duathlon earlier this year, this event includes a one kilometre swim in Golden Bay, a 20 kilometre off road bike route in the Majjistral Park and an 11 kilometre trail run towards the Gnejna plateau.
The race is Malta's only Extreme Triathlon Race and has a short (half distance) and a long distance course, as well as a team relay.
The shorter course is designed for beginners in the sport of triathlon, and the team relay often sees the individual specialists in their field team up to face the course.
Top open sea swimmers, mountain bikers and runners battle it out in the full distance relay event.
The individual winner is expected to finish in just over 2hr 30 min.
The current holders of the titles are Fabio Spiteri and Danica Bonello Spiteri.
Fabio, an Ironman athlete, claimed that last year's event was even tougher than the infamous Ironman because of the conditions and intensity of the race.
Winners this year can win Garmin GPS watches and Nike vouchers. All participants are awarded a goody bag just for the sheer guts of signing up.
The race is uniquely placed in Malta's beautiful nature reserves in partnership with the Mellieha and Mgarr councils and non-governmental organisations that are responsible for the area.
The race organisers emphasise a green race with recycling of any waste. The athletes are expected to race in up to 38C heat on rough terrain.
Hellfire is made more difficult by the fact that hydration on the course must be carried as the race promotes self sufficiency in these remote areas.
First aid support and hydration is provided at the transition between the swim, bike and run.
Athletes are encouraged to raise funds for Inspire over and above their entry fee.
Garmin, Gillette, Urban Sports, Radisson Blue SAS and Isostar are sponsoring the event, directed by Birkirkara St Joseph and the Malta Triathlon Association.
www.hellfirevents.com