2011 is the European Year of Volunteering and to mark this occasion, Maltese athlete, Nathan Farrugia and Briton, John Wilton-Davies will be running 27 marathons in 27 days, across 27 different EU states. 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, Nathan and John will spread the word about the need for more inclusive societies and raise funds for charities in Malta and in each country on the route in the process.

“This is a really huge challenge that’s never been done before,” explained Nathan 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 with nutrition, supplies, a physiotherapist and other supporting crew on board. The team has been planning this venture between their busy work schedule for months already, and more detail work remains over the coming weeks.

Ferrero, the main corporate sponsor of the event, is supporting this ambitious endeavour through a direct monetary sponsorship as well as through activities being held in each country by the company’s staff and partners. Other sponsors include Medcomms who will be supplying GPS equipment to enable live tracking. “Technology and social media will be used extensively to allow people to keep track of us on route and encourage more participation and support,” continued Mr. Farrugia.

Each of the 27 marathons will be run on a specific marathon route in every major 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 of Mater Dei Hospital.

More information about the event is available from www.27challenge.com.

Photo shows from left: Nathan Farrugia and John Wilton-Davies who will participate in the Kinder European Endurance Challenge

Permalink: The 27×3 Kinder European Endurance Challenge 2011