Zach Vella completes first leg in 360km, six-day run for YMCA
Endurance runner is joined by others, including mother-of-two who ran entire 60km leg
Maltese endurance runner Zach Vella ran from Golden Bay to Marsaxlokk on Boxing Day, completing the first 60km run in a 360km, six-day challenge for charity.
The runner was joined by various people along the route, including a mother-of-two who ran the entire 60km with him from start to finish.
Vella is seeking to raise €20,000 to support YMCA Malta’s work with young people and individuals facing homelessness.
The first day of the challenge was marked not only by physical endurance, but by strong community participation. Several members of the public joined Vella along the route, including Rose Marie Decelis, a 42-year-old mother of two, who ran the entire 60 kilometres alongside him from start to finish.
Runner and mother Rose Marie Decelis joined Vella from start to finish. Photo: Justine EllulSpeaking after completing the first day, Vella said the support he received on the road reinforced the purpose behind the challenge.
“Seeing people show up, step in and run beside me, especially someone like Rose committing to the full distance, reminds you of the power of community and what we can do together if we all commit what we can.”
Rose Marie said: “I decided to join Zach as I really believe it’s a nice gesture to think about others. I feel it’s the least I can do to support him. Every little counts, and running with others always feels better.”
Vella’s six-day challenge is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to join him for any section of the route, while supporters can also contribute by donating or following the daily progress online.
Each day of the run includes multiple stops across towns, villages and landmarks, allowing people to take part at different points and distances.
The six-day challenge continues until 31 December 2025, with Vella running 60 kilometres each day, culminating in a final loop of his hometown Mġarr on New Year’s Eve.
YMCA Malta received 307 new referrals for shelter in just 2025, with all its facilities operating at full capacity. It now plans to develop a semi-independent living apartment to house six people transitioning to independent living while also expanding its drop-in centre in Ħamrun to allow for increased counselling, outreach and day-to-day support.
Donations can be made online.
The remaining route
Saturday, December 27, 2025 • Pembroke – 7:45am (BMX Warehouse) • Ta’ Qali – 9:00am (Farmers Market) • Rabat – 10:15am (The Archbishop’s Seminary) • Il-Baħrija – 11:45am (Tal-Kugini Restaurant) • Golden Bay – 1:00pm (Apple’s Eye Restaurant) • Malta National Aquarium – 2:15pm
Sunday, December 28, 2025 • Golden Bay – 7:00am (Għajn Tuffieħa Bus Terminus) • Malta National Aquarium – 8:15am • St Julian’s – 9:45am (Andrew’s Bar and Restaurant, Corinthia) • Sa Maison – 11:15am (Onda Blu) • Malta National Aquarium – 2:15pm • Golden Bay – 3:45pm (Għajn Tuffieħa Bus Terminus)
Monday, December 29, 2025 • Golden Bay – 7:00am (Għajn Tuffieħa Bus Terminus) • Rabat – 8:15am (Wildlife Park Malta) • Siġġiewi – 9:45am (Dar tal-Providenza) • Birżebbuġa – 11:15am (Playmobil FunPark) • Marsaxlokk – 12:45pm (The Shipwright’s Lodge) • Xgħajra – 2:15pm (Xgħajra Beach) • Birgu – 3:45pm (Freedom Day Monument)
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • Xemxija – 7:00am (via Golden Bay, pit stop) • Il-Baħrija – 8:15am (Tal-Kugini Restaurant) • Rabat – 9:45am (The Archbishop’s Seminary) • Ta’ Qali – 11:15am (Farmers Market) • St Julian’s – 12:45pm (Andrew’s Bar and Restaurant, Corinthia) • Malta National Aquarium – 2:15pm • Golden Bay – 3:45pm (Għajn Tuffieħa Bus Terminus)
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 • Mġarr – 7:00am (Church loop run) • Final loop runs throughout the day • Final Loop: 4:00pm