Swimmer Nicky Farrugia is attempting to break the world record with the 2009 Enduroman Arch to Arc challenge running, swimming and cycling from Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. He will be doing the challenge in aid of the Dar tal-Providenza and Inspire, the Eden and Razzett Foundation.
The challenge, starting on June 18, will see Mr Farrugia running 140 kilometres from Marble Arch to Dover, swimming 33 kilometres from Dover to Calais and cycling 289 kilometres from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe.
The current world record has been set by Eddie Ette, who concluded the challenge in 81 hours five minutes.
The challenge is one of the most gruelling and the most challenging endurance events known to man.
It is a solo challenge that will test the body and mind of the most experienced ultra endurance athletes on the planet. It requires considerable logistical support and a 24 hour backing unit throughout.
By the age of 13, Mr Farrugia had already made his first team debut with ‘Sirens’ in the first division of the national polo league. He raised eyebrows when he turned his attention to long distance swimming. He wanted to be the first person in the world to swim from Sicily to Malta. He has crossed the English Channel in 12 hours 40 minutes on August 25, 1989, his birthday. He dived into a series of build up swims including Capri to Naples, Lake Como and eleven hours of freezing in Loch Lomond in Scotland.
Later, he became involved in triathlons and has won the Gozo/Malta event on six occassions.
He completed an Iron Man Triathlon, in Almere, Holland, in 1991. Subsequently he has taken part in thirteen Iron Man events including a Double Iron Man held in Malta to raise funds for the Razzett Tal-Hbiberija swimming pool.
Despite Nicky’s 48 years he is still making records and giving younger athletes a run for their money.
He is married and has three daughters.
Considerable sponsorship is required to fund the event, so that all the public donations go to the selected charities.
The public can support Mr Farrugia’s attempt on HSBC account 068-079821-050 or online at www.simplygiving.org.mt (search Nicky Farrugia).
www.enduroman.com