Maltese endurance runner Zach Vella has successfully completed the first day of his six-day, 360-kilometre running challenge in aid of YMCA Malta, marking a strong start to his Christmas fundraising initiative.
On Boxing Day, Vella covered the full 60 kilometres from Golden Bay to Marsaxlokk, kicking off a demanding endurance effort aimed at raising €20,000 to support YMCA Malta's work with young people and individuals facing homelessness.
The first day of the challenge was marked not only by physical endurance, but by strong community participation. Several members of the public joined Vella along the route, including Rose Marie Decelis, a 42-year-old mother of two, who ran the entire 60 kilometres alongside him from start to finish.
Speaking after completing the first day, Vella said the support he received on the road reinforced the purpose behind the challenge.
"Seeing people show up, step in and run beside me, especially someone like Rose committing to the full distance, reminds you of the power of community and what we can do together if we all commit what we can."
Rose Marie said: "I decided to join Zach as I really believe it's a nice gesture to think about others. I feel it's the least I can do to support him. Every little counts, and running with others always feels better."
Vella's six-day challenge is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to join him for any section of the route, while supporters can also contribute by donating or following the daily progress online.
Each day of the run includes multiple stops across towns, villages and landmarks, allowing people to take part at different points and distances.
The six-day challenge continues until 31 December 2025, with Vella running 60 kilometres each day, culminating in a final loop of his hometown Mgarr on New Year's Eve.
Follow Zach's journey on www.instagram.com/homebound.mt
Donations can be made here: https://funraise.org/give/YMCA-Malta/6e1d7c3b-fe95-460d-b3ad-55fefdef5046
The Remaining Route
Saturday 27 December 2025
• Pembroke - 7:45am (BMX Warehouse)
• Ta' Qali - 9:00am (Farmers Market)
• Rabat - 10:15am (The Archbishop's Seminary)
• Il-Baħrija - 11:45am (Tal-Kugini Restaurant)
• Golden Bay - 1:00pm (Apple's Eye Restaurant)
• Malta National Aquarium - 2:15pm
Sunday 28 December 2025
• Golden Bay - 7:00am (Għajn Tuffieħa Bus Terminus)
• Malta National Aquarium - 8:15am
• St Julian's - 9:45am (Andrew's Bar and Restaurant, Corinthia)
• Sa Maison - 11:15am (Onda Blu)
• Malta National Aquarium - 2:15pm
• Golden Bay - 3:45pm (Għajn Tuffieħa Bus Terminus)
Monday 29 December 2025
• Golden Bay - 7:00am (Għajn Tuffieħa Bus Terminus)
• Rabat - 8:15am (Wildlife Park Malta)
• Siġġiewi - 9:45am (Dar tal-Providenza)
• Birżebbuġa - 11:15am (Playmobil FunPark)
• Marsaxlokk - 12:45pm (The Shipwright's Lodge)
• Xgħajra - 2:15pm (Xgħajra Beach)
• Birgu - 3:45pm (Freedom Day Monument)
Tuesday 30 December 2025
• Xemxija - 7:00am (via Golden Bay, pit stop)
• Il-Baħrija - 8:15am (Tal-Kugini Restaurant)
• Rabat - 9:45am (The Archbishop's Seminary)
• Ta' Qali - 11:15am (Farmers Market)
• St Julian's - 12:45pm (Andrew's Bar and Restaurant, Corinthia)
• Malta National Aquarium - 2:15pm
• Golden Bay - 3:45pm (Għajn Tuffieħa Bus Terminus)
Wednesday 31 December 2025
• Mġarr - 7:00am (Church loop run)
• Final loop runs throughout the day
• Final Loop: 4:00pm