The 2004 BMW Malta Marathon is less than two weeks away and there is high optimism that this year's race will turn out to be one of the best editions.

Joe Micallef, race organiser, told a news conference yesterday that this year's list of entries raises the possibility of the fastest times being registered in both the marathon and half-marathon events.

All four title holders in both the marathon and the half-marathon are expected to be on the starting line at Mdina for the February 29 races.

Moroccan runner Abdel Kebir Marchane, marathon winner in 2001 and 2003, has set his sights on establishing a new course record.

Last year, Marchane completed the 42.2km distance in 2:25.11 which was over six minutes behind the current fastest time set by Hugh Jones (2:19.30) in 1993. However, the Sicily-based runner has made intensive preparations for this year's race and is determined to produce the fastest run ever.

Micallef believes that Marchane will have to contend with strong challenges from Czech runners Jiri Wallenfes and Ethiopia-born Mulugeta Serbessa.

Nine Cameroon athletes, who have personal bests ranging between 2:15 and 2:30, have also registered to take part and if their entry times are anything to go by, this Malta Marathon should be one of the most keenly-contested in its 19 years of existence.

Cecilia Fenech, the 2003 ladies' winner, and runner-up Carmen Hili are both expected to renew their battle for this year's title.

Last year, Fenech was the first woman in the longer distance when clocking 3:00.26. She will be vying to make it three wins on the trot after winning the event in 2002.

Carol Galea's recovery on track

In the half-marathon, race organisers are hoping that local favourite Carol Galea shrugs off a foot injury sustained in training to be able to defend her supremacy over this distance.

Galea has established herself as the undisputed queen of the 21.9km race, claiming 11 of the last 12 editions organised.

She also holds the current record for the race, achieved in 1997 when she clocked 1:14.19. Her absence would be a major blow for the organisers but sources have told the Times that the 42-year-old is on her way to recovery and should be able to defend her title.

In the men's half-marathon, Charles Cilia, Jonathan Balzan and Mario Pisani, last year's top three finishers, have all confirmed their participation and will be bidding to keep Malta's dominance in the distance.

Micallef said he was particularly pleased with the huge interest from Maltese athletes which shows that the Malta Marathon has become one of the most important events for local runners.

"This year, the number of Maltese runners has reached record figures. Over 350 participants have signed in their name for one of the two races and this total is likely to increase as there are other registrations still flowing in," Micallef said.

"This clearly reflects the great popularity of the events among the local athletics fraternity. However, the same cannot be said of foreign participation," Micallef remarked.

"Unfortunately, while the number of local runners is growing consistently, interest from foreign runners is not as high as in previous years.

"Despite this decrease in international participation, the total number of foreigners is still expected to reach some 300 runners."

Micallef acknowledged that the presence of foreign runners this year owes mainly to the work carried out by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and the continued support they lend to the Malta Marathon event.

The MTA, together with the Malta Marathon Organising Committee, are already working on a marketing plan for 2005 aimed at raising participation by foreign athletes.

BMW are the main sponsors of the race for the second year running.

Hugh Caruana, manager at Muscat Motors and popular in local football circles for his coaching involvement with Malta champions Sliema Wanderers, said that his company was delighted with their association with the Malta Marathon.

Caruana also announced that BMW have already agreed to extend their sponsorship till 2005, the year when the race will be marking its 20th anniversary.

Both the marathon and the half-marathon have retained the same course as last year with the athletes starting off at Mdina and finishing off at The Strand, Sliema. The marathon starts at 8 a.m. while the half-marathon gets underway two hours later.

The Galaxy Hotel has been confirmed as the race headquarters.

Registration for local runners will be open tomorrow between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Foreign runners should register either on Friday, February 27 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. or the following day between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

San Michel, Gatorade, Urban Jungle and Air Malta are the official suppliers of the race.