The 2014 Malta International Challenge Marathon will com-prise a new category as the organisers have added a relay team event to the programme of this three-day race, to be held between November 28 and 30.

Addressing a news conference at the Dolmen Hotel, race director Barry Whitmore confirmed that Nestlé Fitness are spon-soring the marathon for the fourth successive year.

“This year’s Nestlé Fitness Malta International Challenge Marathon will feature a new event, the Gatorade Team Relay which will run side by side with the main event,” Whitmore said.

“The relay will enable runners to benefit from a new dimension as they can join in a team of three, each running one leg.

“Teams are to consist of three men or three women.

“No mixed teams will be allowed.”

Around 150 runners from 13 countries are expected to take part in this year’s race. Carmen Hili, winner of the women’s race last year, will be defending her title while the up-and-coming Josann Pulis has also confirmed her participation.

Five-time champion Jonathan Balzan and Brian Magri, who won the race in 2007, are among the main contenders in the men’s field.

Charles Darmanin, Carmel Herd and George Spiteri are set to extend their impressive participation record as they will start their 24th successive Challenge Marathon.

The Gatorade Team Challenge will feature 21 entries. Birkirkara St Joseph will be represented by Keith Galea, Dermot Galea and Alex Schembri.

Other notable participants in the relay challenge are long-distance runners Andrew Grech, Charlie Cilia, Angele Sammut, Clive Gerada and Gerald Grech.

There are no changes in the routes of the opening two legs which set off from Mdina and Birżebbuġa respectively.

However, there has been a slight alteration in the third-stage route, a 25km run from St Paul’s Bay to Freedom Square in Valletta.

Due to road works along the Coast Road, participants will turn from Salini towards Burmarrad Road proceeding to it-Telgħa t’Alla w Ommu, across the roundabout to Birguma Housing Estate.

Nestlé support

Melania Pellicano, group product manager of Nestlé Breakfast said: “Nestlé Fitness has been a long-standing collaborator of the Challenge with a success running for four years now.

“As part of our strong commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle, we have renewed our sponsorship for next year’s 25th edition.”