Search
shop

Challenge Family adds Malta race to calendar for May 2022

The Mediterranean island of Malta is the latest to join the Challenge Family. Sunday 15 May will see Challenge Malta make its debut
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

It’s been a busy week for Challenge Family – having announced the addition of Puerto Varos, Chile (March 2022) to their schedule earlier this week, now we have news of expansion in Europe and specifically Malta.

The island will play host to the middle-distance Challenge Malta on Sunday May 15, 2022.

Malta has a long history with triathlon and is somewhere I’ve visited, trained and raced as far back as 1993. In more recent years, Super League Triathlon has visited the island several times.

If you are looking for an early-season triathlon combined with a holiday destination and easy access, then Challenge Malta would seemingly have plenty to offer.

Malta up for the Challenge

Malta packs a glorious variety into its small archipelago. Its landscape contrasts rocky stretches of coast which end in dizzying limestone cliffs with sheltered bays that hide crystal-clear water and red-gold beaches. Combine that with its exotic mix of Italian, French, British and Arabic influences in both architecture and cuisine along with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, and Malta is an exciting new destination for the long distance triathlon world.

“Malta is eager to welcome Challenge Family to the island,” said race director, Charlie Demanuele.

“Although small, Malta ticks so many boxes for triathletes wanting a scenic yet challenging and spectator-friendly route, good weather and a friendliest of welcomes. We are sure Challenge Malta will be the most memorable of races”.

“Attracting international athletes to Malta gives local athletes the opportunity to race against high level athletes on their home turf. Events like Challenge Malta are very much welcome as they also provide a motivation for local athletes to compete and act as ambassadors for our island” commented Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Sports, Recreation and Voluntary Organisations

“Malta’s potential for sports tourism is an area the Maltese government has been working hard to develop to make it one of the country’s economic pillars. Major international events like Challenge are the perfect opportunity for Malta to show its mettle in this particular niche,”  explained Clayton Bartolo, Minister for Tourism. 

“Malta is famous for its amazing climate and breath-taking landscapes, as well as its rich and varied culture – what better destination for athletes looking to combine a remarkable race experience with a trip to remember,” said Challenge Family CEO, Jort Vlam. 

“When considering new race destinations, Challenge Family always looks beyond a stunning course and expert organisation to what else can enhance the athlete experience – and Malta can do that in bucket loads! We’re very much looking forward to working with Charlie and his team, along with the Maltese government to share this incredible country with the international triathlon community and their families.”

The Course

Athletes will start their race with a 1.9km swim in the crystal clear of waters of Golden Bay on the north-west coast of Malta. Its Blue Flag certification puts Golden Bay up among the best beaches in the world.

The 90km bike is a four-lap course that runs across the island from the west to east coast and back, taking in a mix of the rural interior and dramatic coastal roads, including the renowned Salina coast road.

Exiting T2 in Golden Bay, the 21.1km point-to-point run crosses the island along varied terrain with a spectacular finish line right on the waterfront of the historic town of Sliema on the east coast.

Challenge Malta will see the Mediterranean island join the Challenge Family calendar on 15 May 2022 after an announcement on Friday.
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Dan Lorang Head of Performance BORA - hansgrohe
Touching and heartfelt tribute from Anne Haug’s coach after she announces triathlon retirement
Sam Long - T100 San Francisco 2024 bike
‘No No No’ – culture shock and bike crash for American star Sam Long in Italy
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Chicago 2024 photo credit supertri
Georgia Taylor-Brown on enjoying her busy “year off” and wanting “to go out on a bit of a high”
challenge roth race ranger
Challenge Roth publish RaceRanger anti-drafting data from both pro races in a first for triathlon
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Date, start time and how to follow live
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...