Organised by Xterra Malta and supported by the Malta Airport Foundation, the Comino Swim-Run was the first sporting challenge of its kind to recently make waves with the local athletic community.

The land-and-sea event was held in the run-up to the launch of an underwater, natural and anthropological documentary supported by the Malta Airport Foundation, in which Comino takes centre stage.

The Comino Swim-Run saw no less than 144 participants pair up to swim for a total stretch of 2 kilometres in the waters surrounding the island and run for another 8 kilometres. While strong winds made for challenging weather conditions, all participants successfully crossed the finish line.

Clocking 43 minutes 9 seconds, the team composed of Kevin Muscat and Michael Bongailas was the first to complete the circuit. Trophies were presented to the winning duo, as well as to the teams that came in second and third places. The fees paid by the participants will be donated to support the Special Olympics Malta Team.

“The Xterra team is very pleased with the outcome of the first ever swim-run, with an amazing location like Comino complementing our other Malta and Gozo races. It is clear that partnerships to promote natural heritage, travel and sport, like the one we have with the Malta Airport Foundation, have great potential,” commented race director, Nathan Farrugia. In its upcoming documentary, the Malta Airport Foundation dives into Comino’s waters and explores the 3.5-square-kilometre island to reveal its true personality; one that is often overlooked by tourists and locals who seek out the island only during the summer months.

With this documentary, the Foundation aims to raise awareness for Comino’s rich natural heritage and consequently encourage people to tread the island and its waters with care and respect the diverse species that make the island their home.

Photo credit: Kurt Arrigo