Xterra Comino Swimrun

Updated September 2025

Xterra Comino swimrun

The Xterra Comino swimrun event is held in Malta, on the tiny island of Comino that lies between Malta and Gozo. The island has an even smaller partner, 'Cominotto", and between them lies the incredible Blue Lagoon. What a spot for a swimrun event!

This is our local event, as we now live on Gozo.

If you are coming from outside Malta, you will need to fly directly to the airport on Malta, at Luqa (code MLA). Depending on your point of origin, you may need to fly via a European hub such as London, Rome or Amsterdam, for example.

For great accuracy and detailed swimming data, check out the Garmin Swim 2 GPS smartwatch for the pool and open water!

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Garmin Swim 2 GPS Watch

Comino Blue Lagoon from the air, with small bots at anchor.

The Blue Lagoon by Comino

This year (2025) the Comino event took place on Sunday, 21 September.

Check-In (Sunday 21st September)

Location: Marfa, between 07:00–07:30 (exact spot confirmed 1–2 days prior, depending on weather)

Have your QR code (confirmation email) ready to scan & give your team name

Numbering: Your race number will be written on your arms at check-in & you'll be given a timing chip

Own transport: If you’re NOT using the Xterra ferry boats, please check in at Santa Maria Bay, Comino by 08:45.

Transport;

From Malta (Marfa): Boat departs at 08:00 sharp.

From Gozo (Mgarr Harbour): Boat departs at 07:30.

Total swim distance is 2km, and the total run distance is 8km. The precise distances of the individual legs will be announced nearer to race day.

The entry fee is €45 per person, and every finisher gets a medal, a swim hat and a T-shirt.

Xterra Comino swimrun

The 2024 poster image

The start was at the Blue Lagoon, with a 10-minute swim section in the incredible blue waters of the lagoon itself, heading south.

The course then follows the coast path around the south coast of Comino, heading East. After about 18 minutes of running there is a short swim section, a steep exit, and then the longest run section in the event, heading initially East towards the Old Pig Farm. The route then turns North - inland - then swings West across the island.

After going past the old watch tower, the run route swings North and then East again, before swinging North once more up to Santa Maria Bay. You run to the northernmost tip of Comino with the Bay on your left.

At the northernmost tip there is an arch rock formation called the Ghemieri Window. You enter the water here for a swim section heading South back into Santa Maria Bay, all the way to the beach.

Xterra Comino swimrun route map

Then it's out of the water and a quick run to your right to the lifeguard station, then turnaround and retrace your steps to the water exit and re-enter, this time swimming up the left side if the bay.

Next, you're out of the water just before you swim out of the bay, and it's a short run along a stony path to the east side of San Niklaw bay. Back into the water, and a short swom across San Niklaw bay, turning left at the end into a narrow inlet.

The last section is a run heading south-west to the start at the Blue Lagoon. Race finished!

An aerial view of Comino and Cominotto islands, Malta, showing the Blue Lagoon.

Comino and Cominotto with the Blue Lagoon

The trails around Comino are mostly stony uneven paths. There is not a great deal of vertical, as the highest point on the island is only 75 metres, but the trails are quite up-and-down.

Swim entry and exit points are mostly over loose shingle and coarse sand, and with a gradual gradient - but there are a couple of scrambles up steep slopes!

We think this event is perfect for people new to swimrun, or those looking for an event in warmer, less challenging conditions. For example, wetsuits are allowed, but most people will just wear a tri suit. So, aside from being warmer, you are not facing the stress of running in a wetsuit!

We are really looking forward to the Xterra Comino swimrun event in 2026 - feel free to get in touch with us via the Contact Us link if you plan to be there too!

You can visit the Xterra website here for more information about the Comino race.

Below is a short You Tube Video by Rookie Swimrun: