Maltese endurance athlete Zach Vella is marking the festive season with an extraordinary community initiative: a six-day running challenge titled "6×60", the first major event under his new platform, Home Bound.
From 26 to 31 December, Vella will run 60 kilometres a day, back-to-back, in aid of YMCA Malta, raising funds for two critical projects supporting people experiencing homelessness.
This initiative comes at a time when homelessness in Malta is becoming an increasingly urgent issue. In 2025 alone, YMCA Malta received 307 new referrals for shelter, with all facilities operating at full capacity. Home Bound was created directly in response to this growing need, using endurance challenges to raise awareness and funding for organisations working to give people dignity, stability and a path forward.
Home Bound is not only a fundraising platform. It also supports the implementation of the projects it backs, acting as a link between YMCA Malta, donors and contractors, and monitoring each initiative until completion.
All proceeds from the 6×60 challenge will go towards:
• A new semi-independent living apartment: a safe and dignified 'stage two' home for six vulnerable individuals on their journey to independence.
• The expansion of YMCA's drop-in centre in Ħamrun: creating more space for counselling, outreach, and essential day-to-day support for people experiencing homelessness.
"These two projects urgently need support," Vella said as he launched the initiative. "This is a chance to make a real difference this Christmas. Even a few kilometres or a small donation can support the incredible work YMCA carries out every day."
Donations can be made here: https://funraise.org/give/YMCA-Malta/6e1d7c3b-fe95-460d-b3ad-55fefdef5046
A challenge anyone can join
Vella designed the challenge so runners of all levels can participate. Each daily run will be at a steady, easy pace, allowing both experienced runners and beginners to join for long stretches or even just a few kilometres.
Daily routes will vary, mixing road and trail segments, and will be shared on social media with checkpoints every 10 km and estimated timings so people can join at any point.
One of the highlight days includes a 'backyard' style run starting from Vella's hometown in Mġarr, consisting of 10 km loops every 1 hour 30 minutes.
Full updates and route maps will be shared on Instagram: @homebound.mt
The 6×60 challenge also marks the first milestone leading up to Vella's most ambitious undertaking to date.
Donations can be made through the link in @homebound.mt's bio. The public is encouraged to join the runs, share the initiative, and contribute to this national effort to support YMCA Malta's vital work.