'I'm missing my girls,' says Nathan Farrugia

Malta Independent Wednesday, 18 June 2014, 09:08 Last update: about 11 years ago

Update 24: Nathan Farrugia left to his own devices

After his 5.5hrs swim across the Bonifacio Straits in very choppy seas, last night Nathan Farrugia started his attempt to finish even the third leg of his challenge - that of cycling 445km down to the south of Sardinia.

His support crew had to leave as planned and he has now been left alone to complete the challenge.

"Solo mission from this afternoon. I truly thank the crew for their hard work. Unfortunately we had agreed that come-what-may they would get back to their lives by tomorrow. I'll try and finish what I started," said Nathan.

Everything Nathan should need is packed in a small back pack with only a location tracker and his mobile phone as support.

Nathan's wife Deirdre, who is dead worried that her husband is all alone, posted on Facbook, "....last night he cycled for 125km, stopping just past midnight to find a B & B.

This morning he was up at 4am and started cycling at 5am, hoping to get 200km in. It's going to rain this afternoon so he needs to get as many km's in as possible..."

"I'm missing my girls," said Nathan on his Facebook wall.

"I'm not taking any risks now the world record is gone. Hopefully I can finish what I started."

"A heartfelt thank you to the rest of the challengers, support crew, local Sardinian volunteers, my friends and family, Deirdre and my gorgeous girls for their cheering, and ALL OF YOU who are following and donating to Inspire.

If all goes well Nathan is expected to reach his final destination tomorrow night, and will return to Malta on Friday.

The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/

Update 23 : Tuesday 17 June 14:00

Nathan struggles against rough seas & vouches to go on

"It wasn't easy," were the first words that came out of Nathan's mouth when he called to touch base with Inspire after his 15km swim across the Bonafacio Striats.

"The sea was particularly rough, and at one point I had water in my lungs. I had to stop and get on the boat, but the doctor tested my blood and I was ok to jump back in."

Nathan Farrugia, Inspire's CEO will now go on to cycle 445km down the coast of Sardinia. What started off on Friday morning as an attempt to set a world record, turned into a life-threatening situation on Saturday when Nathan suffered severe dehydration and had to stop and rest for three days. This morning he took off again to continue the challenge swimming from Corsica to Sardinia.

With the Challenge taking much longer than anticipated, the other challengers and the crew have now returned to Malta, and Nathan will have to cycle down to the south of Sardinia alone, stopping only for the night. If all goes well he will reach his final destination sometime on Thursday evening.

The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/

Update 22: Tuesday 17 June 14:18

Nathan pulls through

Clearly still weak and struggling against the effects of dehydration, Nathan Farrugia made it through the second leg of the UltraMed Challenge.

"He has just arrived to shore," said an ecstatic Ebi Ebindanaid, who has been accompanying Nathan from the start of this challenge on Friday morning.

"He didn't look quite that strong this morning," explained Ebi, "but he seemed to pick up strength as he swam across. We will now see if he is well enough to take on the 3rd part of the challenge which consists of cycling 445km down the coast of Sardinia."

Last week, the other four swimming challengers swam the same distance across the Straits in less than 4 hours setting a new record. It took a still weak Nathan, 5hrs and 30mins to complete the same distance.

Nathan's aims of completing the challenge without stopping and setting a new world record, were shattered last Saturday when doctors forced him to stop and rest. "God willing I will still try to finish what I started," he said before jumping into the sea, "I will decide whether to go on with the cycle tomorrow morning."

Update 21: Tuesday 17 June 11:55am

Nathan Farrugia less than 5km away from Sardinia

Nathan Farrugia who is currently swimming to Sardinia across the Bonafacio Straits is only 5km away from reaching Sardinia.

After after having been forced to stop for a few days to recover from severe dehydration, Nathan is now attempting to complete the second leg of the Ultramed Challenge in aid of Inspire. This part of the challenge consists of swimming 15km from the south of Corsica to Sardinia.

"He started off not looking too good this morning but he seems in good shape now," said Ebi Ebidanaid who is accompanying Nathan on a boat. "The sea currents are quite a challenge but I think we'll get to shore in the next hour or so. The medic is still with us just in case."

Update 20: Tuesday 17 June 08:00am Medic to accompany Nathan Farrugia on his swim across the Bonifacio Straits from Corsica to Sardinia.

After having been forced to rest for three days in order to recover from severe dehydration, Nathan Farrugia will continue with the second leg of his challenge, this morning. Accompanied by a medic, and two support crew-members, Inspire’s CEO will swim the 15km stretch from Corsica to Sardinia. “I’m still not feeling a hundred percent well,” said Nathan, “but now that the weather has finally let up, I’m taking all the precautions necessary and attempting the crossing this morning.” Nathan Farrugia was meant to swim across the Bonafacio Straits on Sunday morning after running 207km down the coast of Corsica. Unfortunately due to intense heat on Saturday, he got severely dehydrated and was forced to stop. He was administered IV fluids and has been resting and trying to regain his strength since then. The Ultramed Challenge, was meant to be a non-stop trial consisting of a 207km run down the coast of Corsica, followed by a 15km swim across to Sardinia, and a 445km cycle down the coast of Sardinia. Whilst raising funds for Inspire – the foundation for inclusion - the challenge was also meant to set a new world record, but with that dream shattered, Nathan Farrugia persists to continue what he started.

We will be keeping you updated with his progress as he swims through the treacherous straits across to Sardinia. The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ Updated 19: Monday 16 June 16:30 Doctors tell Nathan Farrugia ‘proceed with caution’

After a long wait of almost 48 hours Nathan Farrugia got a cautious ‘all clear’ from the medical team in Corsica. An ecstatic Farrugia, said that weather and health permitting he will attempt the 15km Bonafacio Straits crossing from Corsica to Sardinia, tomorrow morning. “My blood markers have improved showing that my body is recovering but I’m still not entirely out of the woods and if not careful I could very easily revert to a precarious situation. I will proceed with caution and will not take any risks by taking on the swim first and then playing it by ear regarding the cycle.” Accompanied by another 8 athletes and a support crew, last Friday, Nathan Farrugia set off to complete a 666km challenge consisting of a non-stop 207km run down the coast of Corsica, a 15km swim across to Sardinia and a 445km cycle down to the south of Sardinia. He was forced to stop last Saturday morning after 24 hours of non-stop running and after covering more than 150km in distance. He suffered severe dehydration due to the extreme heat that hit Corsica, and has been recovering since. “It’s heartwarming to see that donors understand that this situation was way beyond Nathan’s control,” said Alison Bezzina, Inspire’s PR & Marketing Manager. “Donations and words of encouragement are still pouring in. This is very encouraging. We’re very grateful for every cent donated towards this challenge which surely help Inspire reach out to more and more children and adults with disabilities.” The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ Update 18 - Monday 16 June 08.55am After seeing his dreams of setting a new world record shattered, Nathan Farrugia is hoping to continue with his challenge tomorrow morning. "It all depends on what the doctors say this morning," he said as he was on his way back to the clinic in Sardinia to get tested. "I'm still feeling a bit weak but if the medical team give me the go ahead, I'm going to finish what I started."

Last Saturday, Nathan Farrugia suffered severe dehydration after running 150km almost non-stop, in the extreme heat in Corsica. Another challenger , Peter Perotti, who was accompanying Nathan, also suffered mild repurcussions of heat stress, and had to stop for a break at 12km when his goal was a full marathon of 42km. Peter then continued at a later stage finishing the full distance.

When contacted for her comments Nathan's wife Deirdre sounded worried but hopeful. "I have had so many friends message, text and call to see how Nathan is, and to see whether I need anything, I have been quite overwhelmed. It really is quite frustrating not being there with him, not being able to support him in person. He is still feeling a bit weak and queasy, and will be going for tests this morning and it will take a couple of hours for the results. Will have to wait and see! I know he would like to complete this Challenge, and to be honest I would like him to so as to honour his 'part of the bargain' for all the generous donations that have come in for Inspire, however, his health has to be a priority. He has me, our two young daughters at home to be healthy for! But this is not about Nathan, it's about the people who need help, help to reach their full potential." The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ Update 17: Sunday 15th June 20:50
Nathan Farrugia refusing to throw in the towel. After suffering severe dehydration and being forced to stop, Nathan Farrugia is still hoping to get the all clear from doctors tomorrow. "I've been taking it easy and drinking loads of water," he said, "I hope that I will be given the all clear tomorrow so that I can get on with the rest of the challenge on Tuesday morning." If given the all clear, Nathan will continue with The Ultramed Challenge starting with a 15km swim across the Bonafacio Straits from Corsica to Sardinia, followed by a 445km cycle down the coast of Sardinia.

Last Saturday morning, following more than 24 hours of non-stop running, Nathan suffered severe dehydration - a direct result of the extreme heat in Corsica - and had to be administered IV fluids. The other challengers all completed their part of the challenge and have now left for Malta. Should Nathan be given the all clear, he will be accompanied by Ebi Ebidanaid and Cliff Sammut who have stayed on to offer their support. "I'm still quite weak," said Nathan, "but I will give this my best shot. I'm very disappointed that I had to stop, but getting back on track and finishing what I started is what I'm aiming for now. I'm very thankful to all those who have sent messages of support and for the donations towards Inspire that despite this setback kept pouring in. On behalf of our clients at Inspire, and all their families I would like to send a wholehearted thank you to everyone." The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ Update 16: Sunday 15th June 8:05am After running for more than 24 hours non-stop down the coast of Corsica, yesterday afternoon, Nathan Farrugia suffered severe dehydration and had to be recovered. Doctors have forced him to stop but Nathan is still hoping for an all clear some time today so that he can continue with his 666km Ultramed Challenge in aid of Inspire. He aims at raising €50,000. At the moment the weather in Sardinia is not permitting, but Nathan is not ready to throw in the towel yet. In the meantime his daughters Keira and Robyn have sent their dad a heartfelt video message for Father's Day. The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/

Update 15: Saturday 14th June 15:00

Doctors force Nathan Farrugia to stop Yesterday Nathan Farrugia ran 150km down the coast of Corsica as part of the Eurosport UltraMed Challenge that started on Friday at 6am. His plan was to complete 207km down to the south of Corsica, jump into the sea, cross the channel to Sardinia, then cycle to the south of the island for 445km. The challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation that works with children and adults with disabilities. Unfortunately, yesterday the weather in Corsica was far hotter than anticipated, and despite the support crew’s best efforts, at times the road conditions made it impossible for the support car to reach Nathan. As a result Nathan suffered severe dehydration. He fought through the night to keep going, and managed to cover another 50km, but at the 150th became too sick to continue and went to a polyclinic for intravenous hydration. Nathan wrote: “It seems like Murphy’s law came into play with the hot weather, stomach cramps and as a result not getting enough water and salts in me I became severely dehydrated. I popped into a polyclinic to get an IV but they didn’t like the look of my blood count readings and have kept me in. Grrr….should know more tomorrow after more tests. Not happy! Glad the rest of the challengers pushed on. Please keep cheering them?” True to his determined nature, Nathan is still hoping to be given the all clear by the doctors. If all goes well and weather permitting, he will attempt crossing the Bonaficio Straits to Sardinia tomorrow morning. The other challengers who have now made it to Sardinia, are planning to return to Corsica to accompany Nathan across should he make it through and be able to swim. “It’s not game over,” he said on the phone, “doctors are hard to convince, but I’m not giving up.” Nathan thanked all his supporters and everyone who has donated towards this cause. “I don’t need prayers, but Inspire needs all the help it can get,” he added. The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ UPDATE 14: Saturday 14 June 09:45hrs With Nathan still suffering from the effects of severe dehydration due to running more than 140km in yesterday's heat, the swimming challengers, Sammy Attard, Simon Zammit and Peter Grech, set off on their attempt to cross the 15km Bonaficio Straits to Sardinia. Nathan is lagging behind with 50km left to reach his running goal of 207km. He started running yesterday morning at 6am from the northest tip of Corsica. Weather permitting he will attempt the crossing to Sardina tomorrow morning, followed by a 445km cycle down to the south of Sardinia.

The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ UPDATE 13: Saturday 14 June 06:45hrs After a tough night combatting severe dehydration - a direct result of yesterday's hot and dry weather in Corsica - Nathan Farrugia is now making his way to the the treacherous 15km Bonifacio Straits to Sardinia. His arrival has been delayed by a few hours after the team decided to stop and let Nathan rest for a couple of hours. "We were right on track and on time but close to the 150th kilometer, Nathan was so dehydrated, his body was not accepting any nutrition, he had no choice but to stop for a while to refuel and rest," said a spokesperson who is with the challengers in Corsica.
Yesterday Annabelle Zammit successfully completed 42km - a distance she had never attempted before, and this morning Mark Ciantar has already completed a 7 hour hilly walk which is the pace the terrain allows for.

Nathan and the team have been going since 6am yesterday morning, that's more than 24hours on the road in an attempt to run, swim and cycle a distance of 666km - from the northest tip of Corsica to the most southern tip of Sardinia. The Ultramed Challenge is in aid of The Inspire Foundation which works with children and adults with various disabilities. To support the team, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/
UPDATE 12: Friday 13 June 20:10hrs

It's now been 14 hours since Nathan Farrugia, Inspire Foundation's CEO, set off from the northest tip of Corsica in an atttempt to cover 666km down to the southern tip of Sardinia. He's now coverered more than 114km and stopped to have a small snack. Exhausted and anxious about running through the night but with spirits high as the team is getting closer and closer to their goal of raising €50,000 in aid of Inspire. Annabelle Zammit is still running ahead of him, for the first time attempting to complete a full marathon (42km). To support them, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ UPDATE 11: Friday 13 June 19:10hrs Nathan Farrugia is now well ahead of his half way mark for the first part of the Ultramed Challenge which consisted of 207km almost non-stop run. He has just passed the 115th km leaving him with 92km of running until he reaches the southern tip of Corsica. At this pace he should get there between 7am and 8am tomorrow morning when he will jump into the sea and cross over to Sardinia. Earlier today, Karl Micallef accompanied Nathan through 42km, and he has now been joined by Annabelle Zammit (in photo) and Peter Perotti. At the 157th Km Mark Ciantar will join Nathan to run another 42k.

The evening has brought with it much desired cooler temperatures. Nathan will keep running through the night aided with torches and car lights. The Ultramed Challengers are aiming at raising €50,000 in aid of Inspire. To support them, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ UPDATE 10: Friday 13 June 17:00hrs After 10hrs and 48 minutes Nathan Farrugia covered 100km running along the coast of Corsica. Peter Perotti accompained him for the last 12km and he has now been joined by Annabelle Zammit who will run with Nathan for the next 42km - the equivalent of one full marathon. In a few minutes Nathan will pass the half way mark of his running distance which totals 206km. Running in the sun has taken its toll on all the challengers who are hoping that the evening elements will be kinder and easier to cope with. The Ultramed Challengers are aiming at raising €50,000 in aid of Inspire. To support them, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/

UPDATE 9 : Friday 13th June 16:28

After covering 84km running non-stop for 10 hours, Nathan Farrugia stops for a much need leg massage from Ebi Ebidanaid. The heat is on in Corsica and for a while Nathan had no access to water because the support car was on the other side of the road and the crew couldn't get to him. True to his nature Nathan ran on to the 84th km mark.

The Ultramed Challengers are aiming at raising €50,000 in aid of Inspire. To support them, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/

In a few minutes he will be back on his feet for the third full marathon today. He will be accompanied by Peter Perotti up to the 100km mark. UPDATE 8 : Friday 13th June 14:27am Karl Micallef who was accompanying Nathan just finished his 40km run in 4hours and 34mins. Nathan is still going strong after 8hours 25 minutes and has covered 82km.

He will now be joined by Peter Perotti who will run the next 42km up to the 100km mark. The afternoon heat is picking up and hydration is still the biggest concern for all the challengers. At this pace it is likely that Nathan Farrugia will get to Santa Theresa at 8am tomorrow morning after 32 hours of non-stop running. He will rest for a few minutes then jump into the sea and swim across to Sardinia. During the 15km swim, he will be joined by swimmers Sammy Attard, Simon Zammit and Peter Grech, the CEO of BRND WGN which is also sponsoring the challenge. The Ultramed Challengers are aiming at raising €50,000 in aid of Inspire. To support them, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ UPDATE 7 : Friday 13th June 12:13am

6 hours into the run, the biggest challenge is keeping Nathan and the other athletes hydrated. The temperature is 26 degrees but it is very dry and feels much hotter. Add that to the stress of running at a fast pace and keeping hydrated has become a top priority. If this pace is kept throughout the run, Nathan is expected to reach the south of Corsica by tomorrow at 8am when he will stop for not more than 30 mins and set off on the 15km swim across to Sardinia. The Ultramed Challengers are aiming at raising €50,000 in aid of Inspire. To support them, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through whttp://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ UPDATE 6 : Friday 13th June 11:25am Accompanied by Karl Micallef, Nathan is now completing his second full marathon. 5hrs into the run, he is still feeling strong and keeping a good pace. At the 85th km Karl Micallef will give way to Peter Perotti who will accompany Nathan on the next 42Km. It is expected that Nathan will finish the total running distance of 206km, the equivalent of 5 full marathons by the end of today. The Ultramed Challengers are aiming at raising €50,000 in aid of Inspire. To support them, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ UPDATE 5 Friday 13th June 8am : Nathan Farrugia set off running from the northest tip of Corsica this morning at 6am. In less than two hours he has already covered 21km which is equivalent of half a marathon. His pace is good at 5:30min/km and is feeling strong. For the first 42km Nathan will be running alone because the trek is too treacherous and too curvy to allow two people to run safely. At the 42km mark, which is the equivalent of one full marathon, he will be joined by Karl Micallef who will run yet another full marathon, up to the 84tth km, with Nathan. The rest of the running trail which will see the team cover a total of 206km should be covered by late this evening. Continuous updates and photos will be uploaded here. You can also follow Nathan's location live here- http://www.ultramedchallenge.com/live.php To support this challenge, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ UPDATE 4 : Some scenes along the way to Corsica. Getting geared up and psyched up for the big start tomorrow morning.

UPDATE 3 : Nathan Farrugia, his crew and the other challengers have arrived in Bonifacio in the South of Corsica and started driving up to Macinaggio in the furthest point of Corsica. They'll be driving 207km.... and tomorrow morning Nathan will start running the whole distance, kept company by 4 other people who will run in as a relay. Then he'll jump into the sea, ad accompanied by another four people Nathan will swim to Sardinia. UPDATE 2 : Thursday 12th June, 2014 Eurosport Ultramed Challenge - Nathan Farrugia - Inspire

Eurosport Ultramed Challenge - Nathan Farrugia - Inspire

Yesterday evening, the team arrived in Sardinia. This morning they will be making their way up all the way to the north of Corscica and getting ready for tomorrow's challenge where Nathan Farrugia will attempt to run, swim and cycle the whole 666km back down to the southern tip of Sardinia only stopping for short 45 minute breaks from start to finish. The rest of the team will be taking it in turns to accompany him, with some of them doing a relay to cover the whole running distance, others swimming across the channel to Sardinia, and others cycling part of the distance down to the end. All this is being done in aid of Inspire - The foundation for inclusion - that works with children and adults with various disabilities, providing educational, therapeutic and leisure services for them to reach their full potential. To support this challenge, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through whttp://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ We will be keeping you updated with the teams progress as we go along. So watch this space.
Wednesday 11th June, 2014
The Eurosport Ultramed Challenge, as it has been called, is equivalent to three Ironman challenges and will take place over some three days this weekend. Leading the challenge is fundraising athlete and Inspire CEO Nathan Farrugia, who together with his supporting team will run, swim and cycle to cover a route of 666km. The adventure kicks off with a run of about 206km across Corsica, followed by a 15km swim across the often treacherous Bonifacio Straits to Sardinia, leading to a 445km cycle along the east coast straight down to the south of the island. “The challenge requires 5 full back-to-back marathons to run over 206km from Macinaggio along the length of Corsica. It will take up to 32 hours of non-stop running. Thankfully, I won’t be there alone,” says Mr Farrugia. 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. Mark Ciantar, Bel Zammit, Peter Perotti and Karl Micallef will be there to support him throughout the run. For the swim across the channel to Sardinia, he will be joined by swimmers Sammy Attard, Simon Zammit and Peter Grech, the CEO of BRND WGN which is also sponsoring the challenge. “The treacherous 15km Bonifacio Straits to Sardinia are exhausting, as the currents can effectively double the time required to cover the distance. The final hurdle is a 445km cycle to the southern tip of Sardinia, with over 1000m climbs, finishing the 666km route,” says Mr Farrugia. 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 in Malta and Gozo. To support this challenge, send an SMS with “Nathan’s Challenge” to 50617359 (€2.33), 50618080 (€4.66), 50618926 (€6.99) or 50619215 (€11.65). Online donations can also be made through http://inspire.org.mt/get-involved/donations/one-time-donation/ Visit www.ultramedchallenge.com and www.facebook.com/eurosportultramedchallenge (#ultramedchallenge) for more information.