Short answer: The easiest way to find a running buddy in Malta is to post, or join, a simple running plan on a public route: for example, “Easy 5 km at 7:00 on the Sliema front, 4 seats, free”. On MeetNow, the host sets the place, date, time, seats and who pays (a run is usually free), people ask to join with a short note about their pace, and the host picks who comes. Running clubs are another good option, especially if you want regular training.
Running is one of the simplest plans there is: it costs nothing, it happens outdoors in public, and it is easy to fit before or after work. This page covers how to set up a running plan, routes that suit a group run, other ways to find running partners in Malta, and how to stay safe. If you are new to MeetNow, start with how MeetNow works for meeting people in Malta.
Why running makes a good first plan
A run is low-pressure. You do not need to sit face to face making conversation; you can chat when you have the breath and run quietly when you do not. It is also free, which makes it one of the easiest “free” plans on MeetNow, and it suits newcomers who want to meet people without spending money.
The trick is matching pace. A running plan works best when everyone knows roughly how fast and how far the group will go.
How to set up a running plan
- Pick a public route and a meeting point. Choose a well-known, public spot that is easy to find, such as a landmark on the seafront.
- Set the date and time. Early mornings and evenings are usually the most comfortable times to run, especially in the warmer months.
- Set the seats. Three to five people is a good size for a group that can stay together.
- Choose who pays. A run is normally free. If you plan a coffee afterwards, say “coffee after, pay your own” in the description.
- Describe the pace and distance. “Easy 5 km, conversational pace” or “10 km at about 5:30 per km” helps the right runners ask to join.
- Review requests and accept. Read each short note; runners who mention their usual pace make it easy to decide.
- Confirm details in the group chat. Agree the exact meeting point and what to do if it rains.
- Run, then confirm “we met”. Afterwards, confirm “we met” to build your track record.
More detail on each step is in how to host a plan on MeetNow.
Example running plan
“Easy 5 km at 7:00 on the Sliema front, 4 seats, free. Conversational pace, all levels welcome, meeting at the seafront and finishing back at the same spot.”
Public routes that suit a group run
Malta has several public spaces where people regularly walk and run. Two that work well for a group plan:
- The Sliema–St Julian’s seafront. A long promenade along the coast, popular with walkers and runners. It is flat, public and easy to reach, which makes it a natural first route.
- Ta’ Qali National Park. A large public park near Attard, with open green space and paths, away from the busy seafront.
Whatever route you choose, keep the plan at public places and name a clear meeting point.
Running in the Maltese heat
Summers in Malta are hot, so a running plan should take the weather into account:
- Run early in the morning or in the evening, when it is cooler.
- Bring water, and plan a route that passes somewhere you can refill or buy a drink.
- Wear sun protection and light clothing.
- Keep the pace easy, and agree that anyone can slow down or stop.
Other ways to find a running buddy in Malta
A MeetNow plan is one route; running clubs are another, especially if you want structured training. Athletics Malta, the national athletics body, publishes a list of clubs that is a good place to start. Many runners use both: a club for training, and casual plans for social runs with new people.
If you enjoy sport with others, a game of padel works in a similar way; see how to find people to play padel with in Malta.
Staying safe on a run
Safety box. Running plans use public routes, the host chooses who joins, and anyone can block a user. Also:
- Stick to public, busy routes, especially for a first run with new people.
- Tell a friend where you are running and when you expect to finish.
- Arrange your own way home from the finishing point.
- Leave if you feel uncomfortable at any point, without needing to explain.
More in is MeetNow safe?
Frequently asked questions
Does a running plan cost anything?
Usually not. Most running plans are marked free. If there is a coffee afterwards, the host can say pay your own in the description. See who pays on a MeetNow plan.
How do I find runners at my pace?
Say the pace and distance in the plan, and ask guests to mention their usual pace in their note. The host then accepts runners who suit the group.
Where can I run with a group in Malta?
Public routes such as the Sliema–St Julian’s seafront and Ta’ Qali National Park work well. Choose a clear, public meeting point.
What is the best time to run in Malta?
Early mornings and evenings are usually the most comfortable, particularly in summer. Bring water whatever the time.
Should I join a running club instead?
Clubs are great for regular training; Athletics Malta lists clubs on its website. A MeetNow plan suits casual, social runs with new people. Many runners do both.
Want to turn this into an actual plan? MeetNow is a free app for meeting people in person: a host posts a plan at a public place, says who pays (host pays, split, pay your own or free) and picks who joins. It is live on the web now, starting in Malta, with the phone apps on the way: open MeetNow and see the plans near you.
