Gold-hearted ironman Nathan Farrugia yesterday revealed he plans to take on his hardest physical challenge to date to raise funds for Inspire, the foundation for people with disabilities.
When most Maltese will be soaking up the sun on the last day of the month, Mr Farrugia will be tackling the highest mountain in the Alps during the gruelling 168km Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc.
“From a physical perspective this is my toughest ever challenge. I will be running non-stop for up to 45 hours and I have never done anything like that,” the former basketball star and current Inspire chief executive said.
Mr Farrugia will climb around 9,600 metres as he runs through France, Italy and Switzerland in conditions that are likely to range from warm sun to ice and snow.
Widely regarded as one of the most difficult foot races on the planet, Mr Farrugia said the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc has been on his “bucket list” since he started doing ultra events.
Only 40-45 per cent of the estimated 2,300 entrants usually finish the race, Mr Farrugia said.
Runners are eliminated if they do not reach checkpoints around the course within a set timeframe.
Mr Farrugia usually takes on at least one major challenge per year to raise funds for Inspire, which helps more than 1,000 children and adults with learning and physical disabilities.
Last year he raised €100,000 by running 27 marathons in 27 countries in 27 days. Although he does not expect to raise quite as much this year due to the event being a one-off, he is still hoping for an enthusiastic response from the public.
And the 38-year-old marathon man has no plans to slow down just yet.
“As long as my body can take it I’ll continue doing these challenges. I don’t think I’ve pushed my limits yet; even in the extreme events I’ve always come out unscathed, touch wood,” he said with a smile.
This year’s initiative has been dubbed the Gehwol Charity Challenge after the main sponsors.
Send an SMS with the letters GCC to 5061 8926 to donate €6.99 or to 5061 9215 to donate €11.65.
Donations can also be made via online debit card or cheque payable to Inspire, 801 B, Bulebel Industrial Estate, Zejtun, c/o Fundraising. All donations will go directly to Inspire.
Visit www.facebook.com/GehwolCharityChallenge or www.inspire.org.mt/ for more details about the event.