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VIRTU FERRIES ASSISTS NATHAN’S GEHWOL CHARITY CHALLENGE<br />
Nathan farrugia has recently launched his fundraising challenge in a bid to finish one of the worlds toughest<br />
races, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. The race sees Nathan running through three countries over 168km of tough<br />
mountain running, a total height gain equivalent to climbing to the top of Mount Everest from sea level.<br />
In order to gain strength and experience Nathan has had to travel overseas to practice the mountain running<br />
with his training companion Ruben DeGiorgio, one of Malta’s top trail runners. Thanks to <strong>Virtu</strong> <strong>Ferries</strong>, Nathan<br />
has been able to spend three weekends on the Sicilian Madonie and in Mount Etna, carrying out 10 hour long<br />
training runs and getting his legs prepared for the steep climbs he expects to have to tackle on Mont Blanc.<br />
“The convenience of traveling by car was great as the Madonie is pure wilderness and not accessible<br />
otherwise. It was handy as we carried all the kit and equipment with us in the vehicle. <strong>Sicily</strong> is a great place<br />
to train as it has all we needed in terms of elevation and trails. We were backed up by the Ecotrail <strong>Sicily</strong> race<br />
organisers who accompanied us and showed us the routes.”<br />
The Madonie nature reserve is renowned for its abundant flora and fauna. Nathan crossed hog, deer, eagles,<br />
vultures, foxes and all sorts of flora whilst running through the gorgeous trails and pathways up at 1,900m<br />
of elevation.<br />
This weekend 9 avid trail runners, including Nathan and Ruben will race in the Etna Trail, a 30km race around<br />
the north face of the volcano. “It’s a perfect opportunity to test equipment and train hard, although the<br />
distance is much shorter than UTMB. I’d like to encourage more Maltese outdoor enthusiasts to look at <strong>Sicily</strong><br />
for their adventures, hikes, cycles and touring”.<br />
For more information on <strong>Virtu</strong> travel visit www.virtuferries.com<br />
To support Nathan’s fundraising efforts please visit:<br />
the Facebook page www.facebook.com/gehwolcharitychallenge<br />
or visit www.inspire.org.mt to donate by SMS, online or by cheque.
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