Enduroman World Record Attempt
One of the world's fittest and most successful endurance athletes, Nicky Farrugia, is also a dedicated member of the Resort Properties sales team in Malta. On 9th September he began his attempt at one of the toughest and most challenging fitness tests in the world, the 2009 Enduroman Arch to Arc contest.
The event, which began at midnight from London's Marble Arch, comprises three stages: a 140km run to the Dover coast, a 33km swim across the English Channel to France and the final leg - a 290km bike ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris. Many world-class athletes have tried and failed this mammoth physical challenge - in fact Nicky's first attempt at the event back in June was unsuccessful. After running from London to Dover in just 21 hours, 28 minutes, Nicky had to be lifted from the water just one mile from the French coast due to fears of hypothermia.
This time around the master of endurance is, as ever, the epitome of fitness, hoping for good weather conditions and is brimming with determination to beat the world record and make Malta proud.
Not that he hasn't done so before. Starting out as a long-distance swimmer, Nicky got involved in Triathlon and has participated 13 Iron Man events. His numerous accolades include Sportsman of the Year in 1989, Malta Long Distance Triathlon Champion and the first and only Maltese entrant of the Double Ironman to achieve a new record, among many others.
Now known as the "Iron Man", the 49-year-old long distance swimming legend is aiming to become the 7th Enduroman - no mean feat. The last athlete to conquer the challenge was Eddie Ette who set the World Record of 81 hours 5 minutes - an achievement Nicky aims to outdo. To complete the event, an athlete requires an incredible level of both physical and mental stamina, as well as the right attitude to the event - positivity and endurance are key. As Nicky himself puts it, "You have to want to do it badly."
A very good reason to want to attempt this gruelling event is the sponsorship cash that will go to the chosen worthy causes. The first is Dar Tal Providenza, a centre that provides 24-hour therapeutic, medical, educational and spiritual care for people with mental and physical disabilities. Its professional and dedicated staff work to integrate their residents into mainstream society and daily life. The second charity, Inspire (the Eden & Razzett Foundation), helps over 1000 children and adults with learning and physical disabilities throughout Malta and Gozo.
Backing Nicky all the way are his friends and co-workers at Resort Properties and its partners the Island Hotels Group, as well as his kind sponsors Air Malta, Urban Jungle, BBB Cycle Parts, Performance Bar Maxim and Switch Bikes.
