Next spring, runners from around the world will test themselves on the rugged coastline of Gozo, Malta’s quiet, sun-soaked sister island. The 2026 XTERRA Trail Run World Championship arrives here on May 9, bringing the sport’s spotlight to a place known for ancient temples and brilliant bays. The route traces Gozo’s perimeter, where every climb and descent offers a view worth slowing down for.
XTERRA Trail Run World Championships, Gozo Island. Photo: XTERRA
A global race with local roots
The XTERRA Trail Run World Championship crowns world champions in the half and full marathon distances, drawing top trail runners from around the world while also welcoming recreational athletes. It’s part of the XTERRA Trail Run World Series, which connects qualifying races across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
The championship spent over a decade in Hawaii before moving to Sugarloaf, Maine, and then Wales for 2025. Gozo marks the event’s 17th edition and Malta is the fifth country to host it since XTERRA’s inception in 2008.
XTERRA Trail Run World Championships, Gozo Island. Photo: XTERRA
Why Gozo?
Gozo is just 14 kilometres across, but the route is anything but simple. The course hugs the island’s dramatic coastline, weaving past cliffs, ancient villages and views that stretch to the horizon. It’s a run that doubles as an exploration of Malta’s 7,000-year-old story.
Race director Nathan Farrugia says Gozo’s appeal lies in its scale and spirit. “Gozo is a race organized by athletes for athletes,” he said. “We deeply value the participants’ experience.”
XTERRA Trail Run World Championships, Gozo Island. Photo: XTERRA
A weekend for everyone
Beyond the elite fields, the 2026 program will include open-category runs for locals and visitors, plus a shorter distance option for younger athletes. The weekend will also feature a post-race festival with food, music and local crafts. For travellers, reaching Gozo can be part of the adventure: a short ferry ride from Malta’s main island, where English is widely spoken and the weather in early May is ideal for racing.
For more information about XTERRA Trail Run World Championships, head here.