Malta’s Zach Vella: From London Streets to Our Shores, Running for a Cause

Imagine pounding the pavement in the heart of London, not for a morning jog, but for a grueling 1,500km run that will take you all the way back home to Malta. This was the epic journey undertaken by Zach Vella, a local athlete who recently completed an extraordinary feat to raise awareness and funds for our island’s homeless community.

From Concept to Reality

Zach, a 32-year-old fitness enthusiast from Msida, hatched the idea for this mammoth run during the COVID-19 lockdown. With gyms closed and races cancelled, he decided to turn his frustration into a positive challenge. “I wanted to do something meaningful,” he says, “something that would push my limits and make a difference.”

He chose to run for Dar tal-Providenza, a local charity dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and the homeless. With their blessing and the support of sponsors like Gatorade and Malta Marathon Club, Zach set off on his journey on October 12, 2021.

London to Malta: A Marathon a Day

Zach’s route took him through France, Switzerland, Italy, and finally, the Mediterranean Sea, where he caught a ferry to Malta. He averaged around 50km a day, completing a marathon’s distance before many of us had even had our breakfast. His longest day saw him cover an astonishing 84km.

Despite the physical challenge, Zach found solace in the scenery and the people he met along the way. “Every country had its own unique charm,” he recalls. “From the rolling hills of France to the Swiss Alps, each day brought new inspiration.”

Homecoming and

After 43 days on the road, Zach finally set foot on Malta’s shores on November 24. A warm welcome awaited him at the Valletta ferry terminal, with friends, family, and Dar tal-Providenza staff cheering him on. His run raised over €10,000 for the charity, a testament to his determination and the generosity of the public.

Reflecting on his achievement, Zach is humble yet proud. “It was tough, but it was worth it. I hope I’ve raised awareness and inspired others to support our homeless community.”

As for what’s next, Zach is already planning his next challenge. “I’d like to do something even bigger next time,” he hints. “Maybe run around the entire Maltese Islands, or even attempt an ultra-marathon. Watch this space!”