The 2008 Malta International Challenge Marathon was launched recently in St Julian's by Barry M. Whitmore, the founder and Race Director of the three-day 42km race, this year pencilled in for November 28-30.

Whitmore told those present that the number of entries so far was a comfortable 100 and that the runners are more or less shared between locals and those from overseas.

Last year's Maltese winner, Brian Magri and previous Maltese female winner, Carmen Hili, have already signed up to compete, he said.

The Challenge organisers are expecting some more top runners from the local scene to join in as the entry list is still open until 110 applications are received.

"There are a good number of overseas club runners, which means we are bound to find a few that will give our own top Maltese runners a run for their money," Whitmore said as he paid tribute to his wife Isabelle, entire staff and the St John Ambulance for their loyalty and long service.

Some of the team have been together from the start in 1991 and many have completed 10 and 15 years' service, Whitmore said.

With a significant number of couples always taking part, Whitmore also announced the introduction of a new competition for pairs, the first on the islands.

The winners will simply be the couple with the fastest combined time for the entire Challenge.

The presentations ceremony will be held on December 1 at the Dolmen Resort Hotel.

Whitmore thanked all sponsors and contributors, namely, Hilly Clothing, Dolmen Resort Hotel, General Soft Drinks, Malta Tourism Authority, Kompakt Trading, Bacchus and La Sibylle restaurants, Allfreight Ltd, Winning Ways, Wedding Bells in Malta, Custom Lab, Devon Biscuits and Twistees.

The organisers said recognition for the support given must also go to the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Sport, the Police, the local councils of Rabat, Birżebbuġa, St Paul's Bay and Valletta, and the scout groups of Ħamrun Lyceum, Msida, Pembroke and Żebbuġ.