Paralympic Champ Returns to Malta for 41st Annual Marathon

When Richard Whitehead crossed the finish line at the New York City Marathon last November, he didn't just complete another race. He finished his 100th official marathon in 2:57:46, becoming the first double through-knee amputee athlete ever to reach that milestone.

Now the British Paralympic champion is heading back to Malta for the 41st LifeStar Malta Marathon on February 23rd, his second consecutive year running the historic course. Visit Malta has partnered to support his participation, highlighting the island nation's commitment to inclusive athletics.

Whitehead's journey spans two decades of breaking barriers. He won Paralympic gold in the 200 meters at both London 2012 and Rio 2016, and holds world records in both the marathon and half marathon for double amputee athletes. But 2025 marked something special: he celebrated 20 years of professional competition by running 20 marathons in a single year.

The symbolic nature of his 100th marathon wasn't lost on anyone. He completed it in New York City, the same place where he struggled through one of his first major marathons in 5 hours and 18 minutes back in 2004. Twenty-one years later, he shaved off more than two hours from that time.

Malta's race director Joe Micallef sees Whitehead as the perfect embodiment of what the marathon represents. "He is an extraordinary athlete and, above all, an inspiration for people with disabilities and for everyone who believes that sport can break down barriers," Micallef said.

The Ripple Effect

Whitehead's return to Malta shows how one athlete's determination creates waves far beyond the finish line. The LifeStar Malta Marathon has grown into an internationally recognized event that combines tourism, competition, and social inclusion. Athletes from around the globe now view it as a destination race where ability matters more than labels.

His presence sends a powerful message to aspiring athletes with disabilities: elite competition and world records are within reach. Each marathon Whitehead completes challenges outdated assumptions about what amputee athletes can achieve.

The race starts in Mdina, Malta's ancient fortified city, creating a stunning backdrop for runners of all abilities. With 7,000 athletes registered for this year's event, the marathon demonstrates that inclusive sport isn't just a nice idea, it's the future of athletics.

Whitehead's journey from a five-hour marathon to sub-three-hour performances proves that limits exist only until someone pushes past them.