iGEN has announced sponsorship for Maltese athlete Fabio Spiteri, who will attempt to complete 10 consecutive Ironman challenges over 10 days. The event takes place at the Brasil Deca Tri in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, from May 20 to June 3 next year.
Spiteri aims to raise €100,000 for animal shelters during the competition. As the first Maltese athlete to attempt the Deca Ironman, he faces a cumulative distance of 38km swimming, 1,800km cycling, and 422km running. The event is considered the "World Cup" of ultra-triathlons, with only approximately 90 athletes globally having completed it previously.
Previous Achievements and Records
At 48 years old, Spiteri holds the national record for the double Ironman and is the only Maltese athlete to have completed both triple and quintuple Ironman events. In 2021, he became the second athlete to cycle around Sicily in under two days, covering 977km in 47 hours and 40 minutes. He previously raised €81,000 for animal welfare causes during his quintuple Ironman event in July.
Charity Goals and Motivation
The funds raised will support shelters for abused, injured, and stray animals, including rabbits, pigs, horses, and donkeys. Spiteri currently owns 10 pets and recently donated €15,000 to groups feeding Malta's 50,000 stray cats, with plans to purchase 200 cat houses. His motivation stems from time spent in the London Paralympic village in 2012, where he observed disabled athletes striving for their goals.