Thirty swimmers have taken up the challenge to cross over from Gozo in tomorrow’s annual Gozo-Malta Open Sea Swimming Challenge organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club.

The race will start at 8am from the historic Gebla tal-Halfa near Ras il-Qala, past the eastern side of Comino to finish at Marfa for a distance of five and a half kilometres.

Favourites to win their respective categories in this unique race will be national team swimmers Neil Agius and Davina Mangion.

Other valid long distance swimmers taking part will be the Birkirkara club’s Keith Bartolo (currently undergoing preparations for a long distance swim in Italy) and Isabelle Zarb, Ricky Garzia, Simon Zammit and Kurt Arrigo to name a few. Special needs athlete Justin Spiteri will also be attempting the crossing. Last year’s winners were Quelin Zammit in 1 hour 18 minutes 33 seconds and Isabelle Zarb in 1 hour 35 minutes 44 seconds.

Mariners are advised to keep clear of the race route and to give the swimmers a wide berth.