A MULTISPORT CROSSING OF THE MALTESE ISLANDS FROM WEST TO EAST ACROSS GOZO, COMINO AND MALTA.
A superbly unique multi-sport outing, with options to ‘go ultra’ and run the whole thing, interspersed with a kayak leg. Or choose to run, bike and kayak. Whichever disciplines you choose, you will cover the full distance across all 3 main Maltese islands, from the very western tip of Gozo to the very Eastern tip of Malta, taking in tiny Comino en-route too.
£77.18
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*price per month, depending on departure day, when you sign up in March, click here for more info on pricing
5 – 8 OCTOBER / 2023
10 – 13 OCTOBER / 2024
EVENT DATES:
DISTANCE:
GOZO: 10 MILES (15.5 KM) ON FOOT + 4 MILES (6.3 KM) ON KAYAK
COMINO: 0.6 MILE (1 KM) ON FOOT
MALTA: 34 MILES (55 KM) ON FOOT or 35 MILES (56.5 KM) ON BIKE
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL AND B&B
LOCATION:
MALTA
DURATION:
4 DAYS /
3 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
Absolutely. This adventure is for anyone with a good level of general fitness.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMODATION
3 nights accommodation / 5-star hotel and B&B
ALL MEALS
All meals included.
TRANSFERS
Airport transfers and ferry tickets included.
POLICY
Flexible transfer policy.
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional 4x4 support vehicles, safety staff, medical, mechanical and welfare
EQUIPMENT
Includes kayak and associated equipment rental.
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff, medics, drivers, route safety staff and Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
RAISE £2000 AND GET UP TO £900 REFUNDED
SET UP YOUR JUST GIVING PAGE HERE OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CHARITY PARTNERSHIP HERE
MORE INFORMATION:
A superbly unique multi-sport outing, with options to ‘go ultra’ and run the whole thing, interspersed with a kayak leg. Or choose to run, bike and kayak. Whichever disciplines you choose, you will cover the full distance across all 3 main Maltese islands, from the very western tip of Gozo to the very Eastern tip of Malta, taking in tiny Comino en-route too. For those who like to traverse entire countries in a day under their own steam, this one’s for you!
After collections and transfers from Malta International airport and 2 nights quality B and B accommodation on the lovely little gem of Gozo, plus Registration and pre-challenge logistics, our journey will commence with an exhilarating 15.5km run or trek. We will carry this out in the early hours under the cover of darkness, thus taking out some of the heat of the day. Then as near the end of the run and as the sun rises behind the islands strewn before you in the azure sea, you will find yourself gazing across the Gozo Channel contemplating the kayak leg via tiny Comino (and its World-famous Blue Lagoon), before coming ashore on Malta itself. From there it is a 56km road bike route across this rugged Isle, or you may elect another 55km on foot, taking in much trail and quiet backroads, to achieve a superlative Ultra attempt. As the sun sets in the East, you will approach your destination, the very Eastern tip of Malta, having achieved a quite extraordinary traverse of the entire country and enjoying the many sights and sounds of these historic and very beautiful islands. The evening sees us all enjoy a celebration dinner in a cracking 5 star hotel in Valletta, itself a World-class city destination.
DAY FOUR:
After a big hearty breakfast we will transfer folk and their gear back to the airport. If you wish to stay around, no problem. We will have some options for extending your stay at the Valletta hotel or simply make your own way out into the city or further afield and explore more of this wonderful island!
If you wish to extend your stay in Valetta, you can do so by filling out the hotel booking form here to get access to the €150 discounted room rate. Forms should be emailed directly to reservations@excelsior.com.mt
ACCOMMODATION: Optional accommodation at additional cost
MEALS: Breakfast
DAY ONE:
You will arrive into Malta International airport for our RV at 1400 (or overnight in the local area and meet us back at the airport). We will the transfer the team to the Gozo (1.5 hrs by road and 30 mins on ferry) and check into our B and B. The rest of the afternoon will be your own. We will meet for dinner and everyone can get to know one another over a relaxing local meal.
ACCOMMODATION: B and B - twin or double rooms
MEALS: Dinner
DAY TWO:
After a leisurely breakfast, for those cycling we will give you your rental bikes (if you have rented from us) or you will build your own machine if you have brought it with you. Later on that day, we will take your bike from you ready for transport to the bike transition back on Malta, but you will have your bike with you for most of today, allowing you to see some of the island on it and take it for a test-ride, too.
We will carry out Registration after breakfast and you will receive a packed lunch. The day is then mostly your own to explore Gozo. We will covene in the late afternoon for a full briefing and then enjoy another dinner together, prior to what many will hope will be an early night. For tomorrow, it’s an early one!
ACCOMMODATION: B and B - twin or double rooms
MEALS: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
DAY THREE:
Gozo (Stage 1): There’s no way to say it other than its’ an ‘Oh My God O’ Clock’ start at 0300. This will allow us to avoid some of the heat of the day on the Gozo run route and we will commence in the cool calmness of the early hours. You will be collected from the accommodation around 0200 and be ferried to (almost) the western tip of the island. Once in place, we will start you off for the initial run to Hondoq bay on the far eastern side of Gozo. Whilst we are setting off in the cool of the early morning, it could still be 15 + degrees C when we set out. The run stage is 15.5km and is a lovely run, through the villages and the main town on Gozo and then culminating in a stunning coastal run stage over the final 2km to bring you to the end of the stage. We will have one Pit Stop at around 10km on this initial run route..
Gozo Channel and Comino (Stage 2):
You will receive your equipment – paddle, buoyancy aid and kayak. You will then be paired up and paddle off into the blue under the expert eyes of our water safety team, who will be stationed out on the water on the course. The kayakers will take a route that skirts the south-western coast of Comino and routes them through the stunning Blue Lagoon. At this time of the morning, you will have the place to yourselves. Absolute bliss, in crystal clear waters with up to 50m underwater visibility. A simply stunning paddle. You will make your way around Comino to come ashore on the eastern coast, come out of the kayaks to stretch the legs and ascend to the high point of Comino, St Agnes Tower and then make back for the boats. The final stretch of water takes you 2.3km to a landing point on the beach in front in Cirkewwa, situated next to the Labranda Riviera Hotel and Spa. At this point, you will be able to enjoy another Pit Stop, access your transition gear (and your bike if you are cycling) and get ready to ride or run the length of Malta!
Malta (Stage 3): Run/Trek Option
Having refreshed and left the water behind you, there is 55km of foot travel now between you and the eastern tip of the main island of Malta. Some steep cliff-top sections must first be negotiated to bring you up from sea level and back down again at multiple charming coves and beaches in the western portion of the island. The route is mostly trail and ash a very coastal flavour for the first 25km. There will be two full-serviced pitstops at 22km and 39km with intermediate, additional water provision. Then it turns inland as you make for the majestic walled ‘silent city’ of Mdina. Whilst not quite half way in distance, this marks the end of the ‘very lumpy bits’ and after Mdina, you make your way back out to the south coast to run along the hugely impressive Dingli Cliffs. From here, gradual descents will bring you towards the south-eastern corner of the island, all the time passing through classically Maltese farming country, small villages, past grand churches and scenes of everyday life in the Mediterranean countryside. Eventually you will skirt the edges of the towns of Qrendi and Zurrieq, before hitting the eastern coast near the port at Birzebugga.
Following the (thankfully now flat!) coast and passing through the famous fishing village of Marsaxlokk, you’re nearly there. One final ascent will bring you up and over a headland, before the descent into Xrobb il-Ghagin national park and journey’s end, back at sea level. It’s a refreshing proposition and water temperatures are still warm at this time of year. So why not jump in, cool off and celebrate your achievement!
Malta (Stage 3): Bike Option
As with the runners, you will transition at Cirkewwa and will climb out from sea level, with some 56km to cover before reaching the far eastern tip of the main island of Malta. Your route in the initial half of Malta is different from the runners; with them following foot-pathed coastal paths and you following a largely parallel route that twists and turns its way up and down some fairly short (but sharp) climbs and through farming areas and small towns and villages.
Road surfaces will vary but in large part they are decent. Where there are ‘a bit rustic’ you simply must take care – vigilance on the brakes and avoidance of pot holes and other obstructions to ensure you don’t fall victim to mechanicals. The first pit stop is at 10km and then you will get to Mdina after around 25km. This is a simply stunning location for a break and perhaps a coffee stop. Whilst not quite half way in distance, this marks the end of the ‘very lumpy bits’ and after Mdina, you will make your way back out to the south coast to run along the hugely impressive Dingli Cliffs. From here, the route is either the same as, or follows very closely, to the run route. It is characterised by gradual descents (and a couple of pretty steep ones!) that will bring you towards the south-eastern corner of the island, all the time passing through classically Maltese farming country, small villages, past grand churches and scenes of everyday life in the Mediterranean countryside. Eventually you will skirt the edges of the towns of Qrendi and Zurrieq, before hitting the eastern coast near the port at Birzebugga. A fast and flat section around the coast will bring you through a few water-side settlements and ultimately then passing through the famous fishing village of Marsaxlokk. At this point, you’re nearly there. One final ascent will bring you up and over a headland, before the descent into Xrobb il-Ghagin national park and journey’s end, back at sea level. It’s a refreshing proposition and water temperatures are still warm at this time of year. So why not ditch the bike, jump in, cool off and celebrate your achievement!
Once riders and runners have finished, our event vehicles will transport you to the event accommodation in downtown Valletta. Cue food, beers and revelry (and maybe showers!)
ACCOMMODATION: Valletta 5 star hotel with twin or double rooms
MEALS: ‘Grab n’ go’ breakfast, Pit Stop service throughout the day, dinner at the hotel
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel and B and B accommodation is always offered on a double or twin room basis. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participants of the same sex in a twin room.
If you wish to extend your stay in Valetta, you can do so by filling out the hotel booking form here to get access to the €150 discounted room rate. Forms should be emailed directly to reservations@excelsior.com.mt
MEALS
BREAKFAST
On Gozo, breakfast on day 1 will be served in your accommodation and will consist of cereals, fruit and local cheeses and cold meats. On Challenge day, it is a VERY early departure so we will provide ‘grab n’ go’ materials – pastries, fruit, porridge pots, yoghurts and other simple items that you can either eat before the off, or take with you on the initial portion of the route that day. At the Valletta hotel, there will be cooked and continental options in line with the hotel’s standard offerings.
DINNER
On Gozo, we will typically eat on both nights at a lovely local restaurant. In Valletta, we will eat in the hotel and it will likely be a very good quality all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet with meat and vegetarian choices. At all times, Rat Race will provide a hearty main course. If you wish to augment with other selections in the restaurants, you may do so. You will settle the bill for your own drinks. On the final night in Valetta, the first round is on us!
PIT STOPS
During the challenge you will have access to our Pit Stops multiple times throughout each stage. These will have a minimum of the following available:
Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
Sports Ration Pit Stop Bars – Yummy flapjacks.
Sports Rations Isotonic Energy Drink.
Salty snacks – such as crisps and peanuts.
Savoury treats – We will feature sandwiches, savoury pastries and other goodies at selected pit stops, around lunchtime.
A fruit option – Either oranges or bananas.
Sweets – such as Haribo and Skittles.
A variety of sandwiches, pastries and cakes.
We may even ensure a selection of the local cheeses, sausage and other goodies on offer at select Pit stop locations!
Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have. If you have any special dietary requirements then please plan for this and pack your kit accordingly. Rat Race aim to offer Pit Stop snacks that are tasty and functional for as broad a mix of needs as possible. We have options available that are suitable for vegetarian and vegans and availability of this will depend on demand. If peanuts are served these will be in individual portioned bags to reduce the chance of contamination but Rat Race cannot guarantee that the food does not contain contamination from allergens such as nuts or gluten in its preparation or serving.
Please make sure you sanitise your hands prior to eating any food. Please, please, please take care with your trash and help us in our aim of leaving these incredible islands tidier than we find them. This is even more critical in this environment, with any lost trash instantly becoming a choking hazard for the marine life we are here to admire.
The date-range is set and the route is tried and tested. However, our challenges unfold in some of the most spectacular places on Earth. Sometimes we do have to change plans on account of weather or other unforeseen factors. If we do have to do so, you will be informed and usually, these unforeseen changes simply add to the flavour of proceedings and provide for a good story to tell at day’s end! That having been said, our route is likely to remain largely intact, regardless of any on-the-ground changes.
Click ‘Buy Event Voucher’ and go through the sign-up process, you’ll then be issued with an event voucher which will automatically reserve you a place in the event you have chosen.
Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure. If you wish to participate as a family group or with a responsible adult and you are 16+, we will consider applications on an individual basis. Please contact us if this is the case.
Getting to the start line is important and we are there to help you as best we can. However, if you feel on reflection that it is just not your time yet, we do have a transfer system that you can use to transfer out, receive Rat Race credit and come back again next year or do something else. Credit is typically valid for 12 months and there is a fee to be paid for transferring out in this way. We want to be really clear that this option is there for you if you need it, but it does have a deadline. View our full terms and conditions here.
The latest kit list will be sent to you before the event within the Essential Event Information Document.
Of course. If you run for Children with Cancer UK and raise the target amount for this event per person, we will refund your entry fee up to the amount of £2500. You are of course more than welcome to fundraise for any cause close to your heart.
We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free. There is no credit check required to use this facility. When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel and which covers participation in outdoor sports. You will also need what is called an Evacuation Insurance Policy, which is for if we need to send you back to the closest city for urgent medical attention via a helicopter or similar. We also recommend you have this in place as soon as you enter this event and that if you book flights, we highly recommend booking a flexible option for any last-minute changes you might need to make or to ensure you have maximum flexibility if you cannot attend for any reason.
Travel insurance is compulsory for our events, so please make sure your insurance policy covers the activities you will be participating in. There are a number of specialist providers available including Mann Broadbent.
Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will be kept in the loop closer to the event when we will send out our Essential Event Information approximately 12 weeks ahead of the event, detailing the full itinerary, what you need to bring and other important information relating to the specific event you have signed up for. We will also host webinars which you will be invited to (again, closer to the event), where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and go through your kit. There will be a final email one month ahead of the event, just to check you’ve completed all the important forms and are ready for the event ahead.
If you have chosen to pay in instalments, we will also get in touch with you if any of your payments have been missed.
Rat Race have been audited and accredited to the prestigious BS8848 expedition safety standard. We have firm emergency protocols and response systems in place whilst out on our adventures. Our main priority above all else is to keep you and our staff safe. Before we leave for each trip a comprehensive in-country risk and threat assessment has been conducted by the Head of Expeditions. All protocols are put in place relating to those assessments. We make sure that the staff involved have the highest level of first aid training; a higher level of medical cover is also put in place if needed; all instructors have qualifications and/ or competencies to match the adventure we will undertake. In the event of an emergency, Rat Race staff and appointed contractors have comprehensive knowledge of procedures which will rapidly be put in place. If needed, our staff will provide first aid and then further medical assistance and evacuation if needed in line with a published Medical Procedures Plan. We have medical back-up and Clinical Directorship provided by a specialist events medical company and we have further emergency response support services provided by competent contracted partner. All our cover is available 24/7 while operations are underway. We use our knowledge and emergency procedures to provide the best possible care in our often remote and austere environments. Before leaving on a trip, we will advise on the insurance cover you are required to have in place for the trip; we will ask for a copy of these insurance details before the departure date.
Race entry includes a glorious finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tee. We will request your t-shirt size and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.
The short answer is no. The price for this event is for everything outlined on the website and it is very difficult for us to split this out. Our accommodation is based on group rates and is on a shared basis. All of our event logistics, support and organisation has been designed to have all the participants in the same locations to allow transfers, briefings etc to run smoothly and to let you bond with your fellow #ratracers! You are welcome to arrange your own accommodation if you wish but this will not result in a reduction in the event fee from us, you will also then be responsible for ensuring you are at our meeting points at the arranged time and we will not be able to transport you to and from your own accommodation, you will need to be able to do this independently.
No problem. Where we use hotels, rooms are offered on a twin / shared basis. If you wish to share with a fellow participant, you will be asked to add this information to your event participation from which we will issue you with approximately 12 weeks ahead of the event.
We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace. See below for our notes on route-finding and guidance. There will also be some cut-offs, but in the true Rat Race tradition these will be generous and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out. Of course, we are giving you a VERY early start to allow the very best possible window for route completion. But, if you need us and if you need to abandon the route for whatever reason, we are there for you. The absolute key is that you enjoy this amazing journey across the Maltese islands and that you do so within your own limits.
We want you to concentrate on the views and the hard work of putting one foot (or pedal) in front of the other. So we don’t want you to be staring at maps or navigational aids any more than you have to. The route will not be way-marked as such, but there will be some assistance from our staff and static marshals will be deployed in the trickier sections, (and in the early morning dark sections).
We will also be asking you to download a route file that you will be able to download onto your smartphone. You will follow this ‘line’ when on the route and this will be your main go-to resource for the duration of the challenge. Don’t worry – you won’t get lost. But if you do – support is never far away.
We will use a mixture of guides, stewards, pit stops and support vehicles to support you at intervals by our mobile ‘pit stop’ team. We will also have our local safety team with you all the way on the water. Across the challenge, we will have multiple vehicles at our disposal, plus multiple staff members, snacks and drinks to distribute. So, if it does get too much, if you overheat, get too cold, need sustenance, motivational support or otherwise, we should be able to assist. You are in good hands.
For those kayaking, you will receive your equipment – paddle, buoyancy aid and kayak. You will then be paired up and paddle off into the blue under the expert eyes of our water safety team, who will be stationed out on the water on the course. Weather and sea conditions are clearly variables which are very important for the safe completion of the kayak phase. If sea and weather conditions don’t allow the kayak stage to take place, we will have a charter boat to make the crossing from Gozo to Comino, allowing you to complete the run across Comino before getting back on the boat to transfer onto Malta.
If you are cycling, we advise bringing your own bike or you can rent one (subject to availability) from us. These will be good modern road bikes and include pump, helmet, spare inner tube, tools, and puncture repair kit. Please note, we cannot guarantee hire as in country bike hire are very limited. We recommend securing your bike hire nice and early at the time of booking.