Marathon enthusiasts were left disappointed this weekend as the GiG Malta Marathon 2019 was cancelled due to the horrific weather.

The Marathon was set to be held on Sunday 24^th February and many had been training for months to run the full or half marathon, which is no easy feat. But on Saturday evening, the organisers took the unfortunate yet wise decision to cancel the event.

The organisers took to Facebook to announce the news, saying that, “this decision is based on the current weather conditions and the forecast for tomorrow that indicates a further deterioration. This decision has been taken in the interest of the safety of the participants, the volunteers, the general public and all third parties involved.”

Joe Micallef, a representative of the Malta Marathon, said that this would have been the 34^th Malta Marathon to take place and the event has never been cancelled before. Joe also said that unfortunately, the GiG Malta Marathon 2019 will not be postponed to a later date as it is “logistically impossible.”

He added, “It takes a year of preparation to get an event like this together. Besides, this event requires a permit from the Malta Amateur Athletic Association. The calendar is full of other races with one being held every weekend and the MAAA will not issue a permit for 2 races on the same weekend.”

The organisers still distributed the medals to foreign athletes who flew to Malta for this particular event yesterday and will be doing so for all local participants too at a later date.

While many athletes were disappointed, many said that safety comes first and stood by the decision to cancel the race.