Up to a few years ago, the scenic views of Wied iż-Żurrieq were part of the Żurrieq Half Marathon organised annually by the Żurrieq Wolves Athletic Club. The route however needed to be changed in order to make it faster. This change meant a shift away from the road overlooking Wied iż-Żurrieq to a flatter route.
Wied iż-Żurrieq will however make yet one more comeback at this year's edition as it has been chosen as the landmark to feature on this year's race medals during the 4th edition of the Express Trailers Żurrieq Half Marathon and 10k will be held on the 13th November 2016.
One specific aspect that has characterized this race since this collaboration between Żurrieq Wolves Athletic Club and Express Trailers is the design of the medals given out to all athletes who finish their respective race.
For the past 3 editions in fact, the medals have always featured a unique design which included a specific and recognizeable landmark in Żurrieq or its environs, namely the Xarolla Windmill (2013), Bubaqra Tower (2014) and Blue Grotto (2015). These medals are now becoming a collector's item especially for those who participate every year whilst encouraging the same athletes to keep participating in forthcoming editions.
"This race is growing not only in attendance but also from the aspects of logistics and organisation and we are glad that in line with the medal designs of previous editions, this year's medal features another special landmark linked to the locality of Żurrieq - Wied iż-Żurrieq - a landmark which also used to feature in the route during past editions of the half marathon," says Franco Azzopardi, Chairman and CEO of Express Trailers.
This year's medal was designed by designer Pawlu Mizzi who has also had the opportunity to participate in last year's edition and who will also be running in this year's edition. For his design, he opted for an unusual square format and a minimalist, yet effective style.
"The view of Wied iż-Żurrieq has always been a source of inspiration for me and therefore, I was very delighted to have been able to draw inspiration from this view for this year's medals. This location inspires me not only because of the stark contrast there exists between land and sea but also due to the element of the huge open spaces that command this location which brings out the fragile nature of the traditional boats in the sea," explained designer Pawlu Mizzi.
The forthcoming edition sets off the renewal of a three year sponsorship of the event between Żurrieq Wolves Athletic Club and Express Trailers. The forthcoming edition will be the 19th one which since 2013 incorporated a 10km run and a 10km walk and has since become known as the Express Trailers Żurrieq Half Marathon & 10K. It is organised also in collaboration with the Żurrieq Local Council.
From the odd 100 or so participants till 2012, the Express Trailers Żurrieq Half Marathon and 10k now attract over 1,000 applicants. Applications for this year's events in fact, are already flowing in steadily and the target is to have another record number of participants for the 4th consecutive year.
To apply, go to http://www.maltamarathon.com/application_forms.htm. Places will be limited so apply now to avoid disappointment.