Aroud 2,500 athletes will take part in today’s Malta marathon.

The event consists of three races - the Full Marathon, the Half Marathon and the Walkathon. This year’s Land Rover Malta Marathon is being dedicated to John Walsh, one of the co-founders of the Malta Marathon. John remained an active member of the Malta Marathon Organising Committee until his sudden death.

Johnathan Balzan who holds the National Best for the marathon, will be the Maltese front runner and favourite in the marathon

There are three African athletes taking part. Morrocans Hajjy Mohamed and Kabbouri Abdelekrim, winner and runner-up respectively in the 2011 Land Rover Malta Marathon are returning and will be joined by Kenyan Sammy Kipkemboi Kiprotich.

All three athletes have run sub 2:20 Marathons. There will be at least two other participants who have run sub 2:25. Everything points to what could be the fastest marathon on our records, given ideal conditions on the day.

.Besides the usual trophies and awards being given to both the Marathon and Half Marathon, prize money is once again being given to the faster marathon runners. The amount is based on their finishing times.