The first National Readathon was organised by the National Literacy Agency and the President’s Trust under the patronage of Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. This initiative was also supported by the National Schools Support Service and Re/Max Malta. 

Alexander Ceesay, from St Nicholas College, Mgarr Primary School, was the student who collected most money during this first edition of Qaritona out of the 22 participating schools. In honour of this, an apple tree was planted in the Secret Garden at Sant Anton Palace. The aim of this marathon was to raise funds for students with special needs related to blindness, while promoting a love for reading among students who participated in this readathon.