Fabio Spiteri becomes first Maltese Ultra triathlete to complete DECA challenge in Italy

Fabio Spiteri managed to complete another impressive feat in his career when he became the first Maltese athlete to cross the finish line of the DECA race at Lake Garda in Italy, on Thursday.

The Deca Ultratriathlon leads participants to over a total distance of 2,260 kilometers which corresponds to 10 times an Ironman race.

Athletes are embroiled in a 38km swim leg, 1,800km bike ride before rounding off with a 422km run, which is equivalent to 10 marathon races.

Spiteri has been competing for the past 12 days after starting the DECA challenge on September 1.

He finally crossed the finish line yesterday in a time of 264 hours 51 minutes and 58 seconds to finish sixth overall from 11 entries.

Germany’s Thorsten Eckert topped the standings in 213 hours five minutes and 52 seconds. He finished ahead of the Austrian duo Peter Brandenburger (235:03.26) and Andreas Six (237:17.07).

For Spiteri, completing the DECA race is his ultimate achievement as the veteran ultra triathlete had never managed to complete such an arduous challenge.

Last year, he attempted the feat in a DECA race held in Brazil but was forced to retire due to painful blisters and torn muscles that thwarted his attempt to complete the full distance.

This time around, an ankle injury threatened to derail his attempt but Spiteri managed to push on and cross the finish line.

For Spiteri, this achievement takes further significance as before the race he had lost his close friend Jake Vella, a 15-year-old triathlete, who passed away after a long illness.

Spiteri had promised to complete the distance in memory of Vella and surely having kept his word will mean a lot for the veteran triathlete.

The DECA challenge represented a noble cause for Spiteri who is seeking to complete Project 100

As a devoted pet owner with 13 animals and a volunteer at local shelters, Spiteri is acutely aware of animal shelters’ challenges in covering basic expenses such as rent, utilities, food, and veterinary bills. He has also observed a troubling increase in the number of abandoned dogs this year, many of whom were not microchipped, adding to the burden on these shelters.

“Project 100 was launched to raise €100,000 to support animal shelters in Malta,” Spiteri explained.

“The funds will be used to buy medicines and food for over 40 local animal shelters and cat feeders. I’m pleased to say that we’ve already raised one-third of our goal, but I hope that the public’s generosity will come through and we can reach the full amount.”

So far, Spiteri has collected €30,000, but ahead of the DECA challenge, he was determined to push both his physical limits and his fundraising efforts to support the many shelters in need.

Spiteri was boosted by the support of a number of entities who have been supporting his endeavours – namely Royal Canin Malta, GasanMamo Insurance, Betclic, Visit Malta and ProUp. Joining them in supporting Project 100 are Wheel Wizard (Malta), Eurosport Malta, Garmin Malta, Go&Fun Green Energy Drink, ABUS Cycling, Rise Physio +, For A Cause Events, masseur Philip Cachia, 24/7 Fitness Club, Waggo’s and Kuluri.

Anyone interested in contributing to Spiteri’s Project 100 can send his donations in one of the following:

Revolut: +356 99816248

Paypal: rarmalta@gmail.com

Paypal: https://paypal.me/RealAnimalRights?locale.x=en_US

SMS donations: € 2.33 | 50617312; € 4.66 | 50618075; € 6.99 | 50618923; € 11.65 | 50619260.

Bank Transfer: BOV IBAN : MT40VALL22013000000050010082877.