09 Sep RMHC Latvia Local Partner for 27×3 Marathon Challenge

2011 is the European Year of Volunteering. To mark this occasion, Maltese athlete Nathan Farrugia will run 27 marathons in 27 days, across 27 different EU states. The Kinder European 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 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.

“This is a 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.

In Latvia, the athletes will run the route of the Riga marathon on September 14. Local charity RMHC Latvia, is supporting the event and is designated as the local partner. RMHC board members and volunteers will accompany the runners in their effort.

Each of the 27 marathons will be run on a specific marathon route in each city. Local running clubs are being invited to encourage their members to run the marathon with the two athletes as a show of solidarity, and to raise awareness. Participants are encouraged to raise funds beforehand and along the route.

Part of the funds raised from the 27 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. 50% of the funds raised in Latvia will go to support RMHC Latvia. The goal is to raise money to help children.