Maltese ultra triathlete Fabio Spiteri has added another remarkable achievement to his sporting career by becoming the first athlete from Malta to complete the grueling DECA Ultratriathlon at Lake Garda, Italy, completed last Thursday 12th September.

The DECA challenge is a mammoth test of endurance, covering a total distance of 2,260 kilometers—equivalent to 10 Ironman races. Participants must swim 38 kilometers, cycle 1,800 kilometers, and finally run a staggering 422 kilometers, which is equivalent to running 10 marathons.

Fabio Spiteri embarked on this challenge on the 1st of September, and after 12 days of intense physical and mental effort, he crossed the finish line with a total time of 264 hours, 51 minutes, and 58 seconds. His performance secured him sixth place overall in a field of 11 participants.

The overall winner of the race was Germany’s Thorsten Eckert, who completed the event in 213 hours, 5 minutes, and 52 seconds. Austrian athletes Peter Brandenburger (235:03:26) and Andreas Six (237:17:07) rounded off the top three.

For Fabio, completing the DECA race was a significant milestone. Despite being a seasoned ultra-triathlete, he had never successfully finished this extreme race before. In a previous attempt last year in Brazil, he had to withdraw due to severe blisters and muscle tears.

This time, although an ankle injury threatened to halt his progress, Fabio persevered, overcoming the physical pain to cross the finish line.

His determination to finish the race held special meaning as he had dedicated this challenge to the memory of his close friend Jake Vella, a 15-year-old triathlete who passed away earlier this year after battling a long illness.

The DECA Ultratriathlon also served a greater purpose for this Maltese athlete, who is using his endurance challenges to raise funds for ‘Project 100,’ an initiative aimed at supporting animal shelters in Malta.

Fabio has already raised €30,000 for this cause, but he was determined to use his DECA challenge to raise even more. His efforts have been bolstered by the support of various sponsors which contributed to the athelte’s effort.

Anyone wishing to support Fabio Spiteri’s ‘Project 100’ can contribute via the following channels:

- Revolut: +356 99816248
- Paypal: rarmalta@gmail.com
- Paypal link: [paypal.me/RealAnimalRights](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

This incredible accomplishment marks a new chapter in Fabio Spiteri's career and a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, while also making a meaningful contribution to a cause close to his heart.

Well done, Fabio!