Mdina 2 Spinola Xmas Race 2026

Heading to the ski slopes for Christmas vacation? Too predictable 🥱

For many, Christmas means hot chocolates ☕️, holiday movies...and snuggling under the covers with some Malte-asers 🍬. But for you, it's all about running 👟. So, put away your winter coat, grab your running shorts, and head to Malta for the Mdina 2 Spinola Traditional Xmas! ✨ Fair warning, there won't be any mulled wine at the start line 👀. But here's the consolation: you'll be running between the ancient walls of Mdina, the old capital of this stunning archipelago 🏝️. 

The citadel of Mdina is also known as the Silent City 🤫. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it offers breathtaking views of the turquoise Mediterranean waters 🌊. Mdina's historic streets are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, so get ready for some real eye candy 🤩. The course will take you to Spinola Bay, 17 km from the start. With 200 meters of downhill elevation 📉, it's the perfect opportunity to set a new personal best ⏱️. You'll race down Saqqajja Hill, heading towards Attard, then Hamrun, Pieta, Msida, Ta’ Xbiex, and Sliema... all the way to Spinola and its legendary bay 😍. During this grand journey, you'll discover quaint alleys and run past marinas ⚓️. By participating in this race, you'll enjoy Malta's mild December weather 🌞. Temperatures there range from 13 to 17 degrees in winter, making your friends who chose not to join all the more envious 🤓.

Once you cross the finish line at Spinola, don't pack away your running shorts just yet: keep the magic alive! Head back to Mdina for the Natalis Notabilis, the island's most enchanting Christmas market 🎄. Wander its cobblestone streets turned into a Christmas village 🎅: twinkling lights, craft stalls, the aroma of Maltese pastries, and choir performances...🎶 It's the perfect reward after 17 km of effort. And what about the treats? Don't leave without trying the hot pastizzi, crispy ftira, or a hearty rabbit stew 🐰. A glass of Kinnie to wash it all down, and you're all set 🪄. 

So, ready to run in the cold under the Maltese sun? 🌡️