The annual Malta-Gozo-Malta and Gozo-Malta open water swimming competitions will be organised by Birkirkara St Joseph Sports Club on Saturday.

Both races are held under the auspices of the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta and sponsored by Festina Watches.

Fourteen swimmers will be daring the 11-kilometre Malta-Gozo-Malta challenge, and fifty-nine swimmers will be crossing the channel from Gozo in the 5.5-kilometre event.

The first race starts at 6.30 am from Marfa to a turn-around waypoint at Ras il-Qala and back to Marfa.

The Gozo-Malta swim starts at 8:15am from Ras il-Qala to a finishing buoy at Marfa.

In a statement, the organisers said a Local Notice to Mariners (No. 59/2013) has been issued by the Ports and Yachting Directorate of Transport Malta, closing the race route for maritime traffic. Each swimmer will be accompanied by an escort boat throughout the race.

A pre-race meeting for participants will be held today at 7.00pm at the Qawra Palace Hotel.

During Saturday’s channel races, funds will be raised in aid of the Ladybird Foundation.

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