The annual launch of the 2009 Malta International Challenge Marathon was held recently. Barry M. Whitmore, the founder, president and race director welcomed his executive team members to a get-together meal and event launch.

The event is to be held in the last weekend of this month, that is on 27, 28 and 29 November.

In a speech he emphasised the importance of a strong, reliable and well oiled group of experienced people who have worked together continuously.

Mr Whitmore paid tribute to His Excellency Dr George Abela, President of Malta, whose message is included in the official 16-page colour programme. As a runner himself, he wished the runners and the events organisation the best of luck.

Mr Whitmore announced that there will be no changes to any of the routes which therefore remain the same as for the past several years.

These routes have all received Local Council and Police approval. Stage 1: Mdina Gardens, start 1pm, finish Rabat. Stage 2: St Georges Bay, start 12 noon, finish Birzebbuga Church. Stage 3: start 7am Wignacourt Tower, St Paul’s Bay, finish under the gates of Freedom Square, Valletta from 8.15am to 11.30am

He thanked the four local councils, namely those of Rabat, Birzebugga, St Paul’s Bay and Valletta, for their continued support.

These local councils are very important to the success of the event as the three stages start and finish under these councils’ control. Mr Whitmore added that also important is the dedication and respect the Police have for this event, in particular the Traffic Division and District Police.

Ending the final stage on Sunday 29 November under the gates of Freedom Square is a tribute to Malta. It is the most fitting place to finish an international event as this and one very important reason overseas runners participate.

The race director also paid tribute to his wife, Isabelle, staff and the St John Ambulance for their loyalty and long service. Some of the team has been together from the start in 1991 and many have completed 10 and 15 year’s service.

The number of runners was a comfortable 125 – an increase of 30 over last year – for this demanding three-day event.

He is particularly very happy with the local increase from just 54 runners in 2008 up to 94 this year. This he has put down to two factors: first of all the event has a great respect among the local runners; and secondly the Challenge organisers have been very active this year with Hilly Clothing sponsoring six Maltese road races.

This year competitors’ T-Shirts will be embroidered on the front with the event and main sponsor logo. Again the beautiful 70mm cast die medal has been ordered. It has the Maltese islands as a “cut out” and in the colours of Malta. A new frame will also be available for sale at registration for runners wishing to purchase. This frame will consist of the runners bib, medal, certificate and finish line photo.

Whitmore thanked all the sponsors and contributors namely, main sponsor Hilly Clothing Company UK, The Dolmen Resort Hotel, General Soft Drinks for Kristal Water and Powerade, The Malta Tourist Authority, Kompakt Trading Ltd, FMC Motors Ltd, Bacchus Restaurant, Ganesha Indian Restaurant, La Sibylle Restaurant in the Dolmen Resort Hotel, Allfreight Ltd, Herbies Jewellery Ltd, Winning Ways UK, Wedding Bells in Malta, Custom Lab Ltd, Consolidated & Devon Biscuits, Foster Clarks, Golden Harvest, Nestle Ltd, and Twistees.

Recognition for the services and support given also went to the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Sport, the Scouts groups of Hamrun Lyceum, Msida, Pembroke and Zebbug and all the friends and family of Barry and Isabelle Whitmore.