Mohammed Hajjy will be vying for a sixth successive Vodafone Malta Marathon title tomorrow when a record 4,315 runners will be on the starting line at Mdina Gate for the 31st running of the 42km race along with the half marathon and walkathon.

The annual races have been growing steadily in popularity over the years and the trend was extended to 2016 as the organisers again reported an increased entry of 750 in the full marathon.

Over 3,550 will compete in either the half marathon or the walk.

Hajjy has established himself as the man to beat here. In fact, the Italy-based Moroccan not only managed to breast the tape first in each of the last five marathons but he also established a new course record when completing the distance in 2:16.06 in 2013.

Last year, Hajjy needed a late burst of speed to edge compatriot Nasef Ahmed in 2:19.28, in one of the closest finishes ever to the Malta Marathon.

In 2015, Andrew Grech was the first Maltese runner home when he placed eighth overall in 2:32.34.

This year, Grech has opted to run the half-marathon and that makes veteran Jonathan Balzan firm favourite to reach the gantry in Sliema Strand first from among the local participants.

Among those running the 42km race tomorrow is Antonio Grotto, a 66-year-old Italian who will be aiming to complete the 800th marathon in his career.

The veteran’s first official marathon was in Venice in 1994. Grotto’s estimated target time here will be in the region of 3 hours and 45 minutes.

In the women’s marathon, Josann Attard Pulis looks to go one better than last year when she placed second overall after covering the distance in 3:11.06.

In the half-marathon, a tight battle is expected between the in-form Charlton Debono, winner of the MAAA Road Running League, Grech and Mark Herrera, the first local runner to cross the finish line last year in 1:13.26.

The full marathon sets off from outside Mdina Gate at 7.30am. The half-marathon and walkathon start at 9.15am.