Athlete Nathan Farrugia will attempt a world-first triathlon challenge that will see him run, swim and cycle across 666 kilometre non-stop from Corsica to Sardinia.
“Every so often, I try to come up with an extreme challenge that will put Malta on the endurance map while raising funds for good causes,” said Mr Farrugia, chief executive of Inspire, during a press conference held at Inspire in Marsascala.
The Eurosport Ultra Med Challenge, as it has been named, is equivalent to three Ironman challenges and will take place over some three days in June.
This challenge is unique because Mr Farrugia will only stop to rest for short 45-minute bursts a couple of times during the run and cycling parts of the challenge.
The swim will then be a continuous effort and the clock will keep on ticking.
The adventure will start off with a run of about 210 kilometres across Corsica, followed by a 15km swim across the often treacherous Bonifacio Straits to Sardinia, leading to a 440km cycle along the east coast straight down to the south of the island.
Mr Farrugia is no stranger to endurance events. In 2010 he and Douglas Barbaro Sant ran the 250-kilometre-long Marathon des Sables for charity.
The event yesterday was launched at the Inspire pool where Mr Farrugia and his main sponsors – Eurosport and Brand Wagon – spoke to the press while working up a sweat on the exercise equipment.
Eurosport’s managing director Christina Peresso spoke from the treadmill: “We’re very proud to be a part of this event which should inspire other athletes to use their sport for a good cause.”
Peter Grech, CEO of creative digital agency Brand Wagon, spoke to the press after swimming a number of laps in the pool. “I will be joining Nathan for the 15km swim to provide some moral support and prove that you don’t have to be an athlete to do something crazy like this,” he said.
All funds raised will go to Inspire, which is a non-profit organisation that is at the forefront in providing therapeutic, education and leisure services to persons with disabilities.
To support this challenge, send an SMS with Nathan’s Challenge to 5061 7359 (€2.33), 5061 8080 (€4.66), 5061 8962 (€6.99) or 5061 9215 (€11.65).
For more information you cancontact Mr Farrugia on nathan.farrugia@inspire.org.mt.