Maltese endurance runner Zach Vella successfully completed the second day of his six-day challenge, running 60 kilometres once again as part of his Christmas fundraising effort to raise €20,000 for YMCA, which supports homeless people in Malta.
Day two highlighted the growing community spirit, with dozens of runners joining Vella at different stages of the route. The opening 10 kilometres were run alongside his regular running crew, with around 30 runners taking part as part of their scheduled group training session.
As the day progressed, the run took on a more personal tone. Vella was later joined by a close group of friends, many of whom had never run together before. Several of them completed the longest runs of their lives, accompanying him along the demanding stretch from Rabat to Baħrija.
Vella also finished the 60km in time for his extended family's Christmas lunch.
"Today was really fun. It's so great to run alongside so many people who are getting behind this cause," he said.
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.
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.
Donations can be made online, and daily updates on routes and timings are being shared on social media throughout the challenge.
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
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