Over 1,050 runners have applied to take part in this year's BMW Malta Marathon and Half Marathon.
We know from experience that this is some "slippage" between the number of applicants who apply (some as far back as November of last year) and the number who actually make it to collecting their race number and standing on the start-line.
We will not know until after registration of the foreign competitors (this evening between 4 and 7 p.m. at the BMW Showroom in Gzira), how many will actually toe the line in Mdina. One thing is for sure though, participation records are sure to be shattered.
The race at the front also seems to be one worth watching. Returning to defend his title from two years ago is Joshua Kipchumba, of Kenya.
With a PB of 2:15:07 and winner of five marathons in Italy in 2007 alone, Kipchumba is as close to a "running machine" as a human can get.
We are not sure of the precise number (we'll check when he gets here) but it is believed that Kip-chumba has won 25 marathons in his career so far.
Also from Kenya is Julius Kirwa Choge. He boasts a PB of 2:13:20 and winner in 2007 of the Egna Marathon, the Jesolo Marathon and the Garda Marathon.
A third invited elite runner this year, Joachim Nshimirimana comes from Burundi. He represented his country at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, finishing 32nd in the marathon in 2:19:31.
Nshimirimana won the Ljubljana Marathon in Slovenia in 2006, in 2:14:14, and has a PB of 2:13:30 from when he won the Ljubljana Marathon in 2004, setting the course record.
Final notes
Any cyclists who intend to accompany runners are reminded to keep their distance and not distract or disturb any of the other participants in any way.
It is also suggested that cyclists do not follow the half marathon runners for the first kilometre through the centre of Rabat, but instead pick up the runners as they exit Rabat at the Roman Villa and head down towards Mtarfa By-Pass.
All runners are reminded, once more, to ensure that they return their Champion Chip to the officials immediately after they cross the finish line and before leaving the finishing area. Failure to do so will result in the organising committee being fined €15 for every chip not returned.
Since the fields of both races are larger than ever, those athletes with slower expected finishing times are urged to line up at the rear of the field, rather than right at the very front.
This is especially the case in the half marathon when the first kilometre is run through the narrow streets of Rabat. Slower runners starting at the front of the race could soon find themselves in some difficulty as they begin to tire and impede faster athletes coming through from behind.
All runners are urged to keep their enthusiasm in check; marathons and half marathons are not won and lost in the opening mile.
Not a lot more to say; eat well, sleep well. I would suggest rising extra early and eating a light breakfast some three hours before the race start time. The weather seems uncertain (writing this on Thursday). So be sure and dress appropriately for the conditions.
One minute silence
Make your way to Mdina early, the roads may be closed if you leave it too late. The organisers will observe a one-minute silence before the half marathon as a mark of respect for the recent tragic death of runner Emmanuel Formosa.
On behalf of the main event sponsor BMW, and official partners Malta International Airport, Powerade, San Michel and Urban Jungle, as well as the organising committee, I would like to wish every runner every success.
johnwalsh42195@yahoo.it