Malta was always a key ingredient in the development of the Mediterranean diet, specifically due to its prominent role in the production of olive oil. Since Roman times, olive oil production in Malta was a very lucrative business, with large exports to neighbouring countries.
This is why Malta now forms part of HOST – Heritage of Olive Oil Tree for Sustainable Tourism – an EU-funded project taking place in Malta, Italy, Slovenia and Greece – countries that have played an important role in the development of the olive oil industry.
This project is being co-financed by the COSME programme of the European Commission with a budget of €239,991 for 18 months from June 2015. The project is led by Fondazione Campus in Italy and includes another five international partners, including Timesis srl, The Municipality of Koper, the Regional Development Centre Koper, ETAL S.A and 5 Senses Ltd representing Malta.
HOST, through its project FOOT – Fit On Olive Trails – celebrates the olive oil trail and presents an ideal way to discover the history, culture, lifestyle and the deep, shared roots of the Mediterranean countries choosing to support a model of sustainable tourism that cares about respecting the local ecosystem and its traditional activities, namely Italy, Slovenia, Greece and Malta.
In Malta, FOOT, in collaboration with Żejtun council, which hosts the yearly Żejt iż-Żejtun event, will be hosting the first edition of the Żejt iż-Żejtun half-marathon on September 18. This half-marathon is one of four running events taking place – one in each HOST project participating country.
These running events are taking place within a locality with a strong connection with olive oil production. This exciting running competition will unfold across the olive grove territories of the southeastern region of Malta, with the half-marathon route passing through many attractions around the historic locality of Żejtun.
Żejt iż-Żejtun is a festival that promotes the health benefits of olive oil, as well as its prominent role in the local cuisine and the Mediterranean diet
To meet all needs and requirements, the marathon will offer several routes of different length and difficulty. For those who want a day out with friends or family, there are multiple routes one can choose from. Running courses include a 650m children’s fun run (as a fundraiser for Jesus of Nazareth Orphanage of Żejtun), a 2.6km fun run and the 21km half-marathon which can be run in full or as a relay with three team members running approximately 7km each.
Over the past years, there seems to have been a renewal of interest in olive tree cultivation. This was one of the main reasons that spurred the council to start hosting Żejt iż-Żejtun every September – a festival that promotes the health benefits of olive oil, as well as its prominent role in the local cuisine, the Mediterranean diet and centuries-old traditions.
The HOST project aims to restore economies to generate a positive impact on the population and reinvigorate natural and cultural heritage. Through the project, sports and customised tour packages within the four participating countries will also be encouraged.
Malta is represented by 5 Senses Ltd, which will be handling the organisation of the Malta marathon, as well as complementary promotional activities together with the council and Starmax Sport Association.