These are the roads closed for Sunday’s La Valette Marathon
5,000 athletes from 60 countries are expected to participate across five events
As 5,000 athletes take to the streets on Sunday morning for the ElectroGas La Valette Marathon, drivers will need to plan their journeys amid temporary road closures.
Billed as Malta’s “most scenic” full and half marathon, the annual event attracts participants from over 60 countries competing in five categories over different distances starting from 5km.
Roads will be closed as runners make their way across Malta.The full marathon starts at 6.30am in St Paul’s Bay winding its traditional 42.2 km along the coastline to Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa.
The half marathon will kick off from Exiles in Sliema at 7am. The 10km race starts at Triq il-Mediterran in Valletta at 7am going through Marsa and crossing the finish line in Vittoriosa.
The 5km event gets going at 7am from Triq Ghajn Dwieli in Paola. The walkathon sets off at 7.10am from Exiles in Sliema, followed by the relay races at 7.30am.
Drivers, residents and commuters are urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow the guidance of police, marshals and transport officials on the day.
Residents and visitors living or travelling near St Paul’s Bay, Sliema, Valletta and the harbour cities are encouraged to check the scheduled closure times, use alternative routes where possible and heed all signage and on-site instructions. Public transport users should also allow extra time, as certain services may be diverted or delayed while runners are on the course.
Which roads will be closed?
In a social media post, marathon organisers Corsa listed the key areas which will be affected by road closures on Sunday:
In St Paul’s Bay, Triq San Pawl il-Baħar will be closed from 4am to 7am.
In Sliema, Tower Road will be closed from 5am to 10am while Triq il-Creche towards Tower Road will be closed from 5am to 8.30am. Buses will be diverted towards Spinola.
In Valletta, the left lane on Great Siege Road will be reserved for runners between 7.45am and 10.45am; Barrier Wharf will be closed between 4.30am and 10.30am.
In Senglea, Triq ix-Xatt Juan B. Azopardo will be closed for traffic from 6am to 11.30am. Parts of the Vittoriosa waterfront will be closed as athletes approach the finish line.