The three-day international challenge marathon, organised annually by Barry Whitmore and his wife Isabelle Mizzi, will get under way this afternoon at Bugibba, near the Mdina Gardens.

Today's first stage starts at 1pm and will finish at Rabat. Tomorrow's second stage starts at noon at Birzebbuga's St George's Bay and finishes near the village's parish church. The third and final stage starts at 7am from near Wignacourt Tower in St Paul's Bay on Sunday and finished at Valletta's City Gate.

The event – a certified AIMS marathon over three different distances – is held under IAAF, AIMS and MAAA rules and regulations.

Over 100 runners – foreigners and locals – will be taking part in the event.