To mark the European Year of Volunteering , Maltese athlete Nathan Farrugia and Briton John Wilton-Davies will be running 27 marathons in 27 days across 27 countries.

The Kinder European Endurance Challenge aims to spread a message of solidarity across the EU during the European Year of Volunteering, as well as raise funds that support local charity projects in each country.

During this gruelling tour, Farrugia and Wilton-Davies will spread the word about the need for more inclusive societies and raise funds for charities in Malta and in each country.

“This is a really huge challenge that’s never been done before,” explained Farrugia, who gave more details about the complex logistics and scale of the venture.

The athletes will be followed by a motor home throughout most of the route providing nutrition, supplies, a physiotherapist and other supporting crew on board.

The team has been planning this venture between their busy work schedule for months.

Each of the 27 marathons will be run on a specific route in every city. Local running clubs are being invited to encourage their members to run the marathon with the two athletes, not only as a show of solidarity, but also to strengthen awareness about the cause.

Participants are being asked to raise funds beforehand and along the route. Local voluntary organisations may also ‘piggy back’ off this event to generate awareness of their work in their community.

Funds raised from Malta and part of the funds raised from the 27 other countries will go to Inspire and to support the Daniel Delicata Foundation in building a play area at the Children’s Ward at Mater Dei Hospital.

Main corporate sponsor Ferrero is supporting this ambitious attempt through a direct monetary sponsorship as well as through activities being held in each country by the company’s staff and partners.

Medcomms will be supplying GPS equipment to enable live tracking.