The Garmin Malta 113km, in Birżebbuġa today, will have a record participation of triathletes – an increase of 50 per cent on the previous year’s entry registration.

In all, there will be 54 athletes vying for the honours in the full distance. Their race will be split into a swim of 1.9km, a 90km cycle and a half marathon – a 21km run.

Increase in numbers was not only registered in the singles but also in relays. In fact, 24 teams will be taking part, more than three times than the 2014 Garmin Malta 113km.

“It is interesting to note that quite a few athletes who compete in a relay team progress to the full distance in the following year,” Race Director Charles Demanuele said.

“This year we have achieved our target of increasing international participation, with Italy, UK, Slovenia, Slovakia and Poland all being represented.”

The race is also designated as the Long Distance National Championships by the Malta Triathlon Federation and will also garner points in the Triathlete of the Year Award.

Last year’s champions, David Galea and Michelle Vella Wood, will be back on the starting line to defend their titles.

In the men’s race, David Galea will have to battle off the determined attempts of seasoned triathlete Dermot Galea, race winner in 2012.

Other contenders will be Fabio Spiteri and Rudolph Agius.

Vella Wood will be seeking to win the 113km race for a sixth time.

This time round she will have to deal with the challenge of fellow national team member Margaret Seguna who makes a return to the race after a three-year absence.