Two local triathletes will be taking on the Lanzarote Ironman on Saturday in what is reputed to be the toughest endurance event due to the hilly bike course, windy conditions and warm temperatures.

The training requires up to 20 hours a week of swimming, cycling and running, since the course is a 3.8 km swim immediately followed by a 180 km cycle and then a full 42.2 km marathon. The Ironman is the ultimate endurance race that many triathletes aspire to.

Fabio Spiteri is Malta’s reigning duathlon champion and Hellfire triathlon winner. After a successful career in athletics, representing Malta at the Small Nations Games, Mr Spiteri took up triathlon.

He feels the effort he is putting into such an event should be a platform to help charities and he is therefore fundraising for Inspire and Gift of Life.

“My friends and family realise the sacrifice I’m making, and that the hours of training required means giving up all my free time, so I hope people will reward my effort by giving donations to the causes I believe in,” Mr Spiteri said.

“The kids at Inspire face tough challenges every day and I think we don’t appreciate their tenacity enough.”

Inspire chief executive Nathan Farrugia will also be racing the Ironman with Mr Spiteri. Mr Farrugia is not new to endurance events but his approach is less about speed and more about the experience.

“I’m taking a more conservative approach and aiming to compete at my own pace. My aim is to have a good race, but I am not a fast athlete,” Mr Farrugia said.

“Ironman is unique as it can break you in the last few miles of the marathon even if you’ve had a cracking swim and bike ride; however, Fabio is mentally strong so he should be fine”.

To donate, send a message with the word ‘Fabio’ to 5061 7359 for €2.33 or to 5061 8080  for  €4.66, or visit www.inspire.org.mt/donate to donate by credit or debit card.