Running 200 Kilometres for a Cause: Interview with Claudio Camilleri
Meet Claudio Camilleri, activist, entrepreneur and long-distance runner for a cause. Alongside his friend Daniel, Claudio completed a 200 kilometre ultra marathon with a clear purpose at the finish line: raising funds to provide weekly therapy for children supported by a local NGO. We spoke with Claudio about his motivation, training, nutrition and advice after this demanding challenge that blends endurance with social impact.
1) Training for 200 kilometres
Q: Congratulations on completing such an impressive feat. How did you and Daniel train for this ultra marathon, and what tips would you share with anyone considering a similar challenge?
Claudio: Thank you for your kind words. Although events like this usually need a 12 to 16 week training block, it is the years of consistent work that make running such distances possible. Specific preparation blends long runs, faster efforts, hills and easy sessions, together with regular strength work. On average, I train six times a week. Good sleep, eating well and staying hydrated are essential.
It helps to approach big goals in stages so both body and mind learn to handle different situations. Gradually scale up distance or time so you understand your body, then choose where to push.
2) The children’s charity and how to help
Q: Can you tell us about the charity you were fundraising for? What motivated this choice, and how can others get involved?
Claudio: Fondazzjoni Sebħ runs residential homes and a shelter for women escaping violence and their children, as well as social work services. Around the clock, staff support dozens of children and families with complex needs. Many of these children have faced neglect, parental addiction or exposure to exploitation.
I also form part of Children in Need, which is working to provide weekly therapy for 41 children for three years. This run aimed to raise awareness and encourage donations so these children can access consistent support. Those who wish to help can donate at childreninneed.org.mt/donate-now.
3) Fuel and hydration for ultra distance
Q: Nutrition is crucial in endurance sport. What foods did you rely on across 500 laps, and how did you stay fuelled and hydrated for so long?
Claudio: Everyone needs to test and find what works for them. I try to refine my plan after every event. Early on I rely on solids such as cereal, pasta, rice and fruit, together with water and an isotonic drink. Later it becomes harder to take solids, so I switch to gels, salt tablets and softer fruit like bananas. Keeping fuel and fluids going throughout is vital. If the gut fails, it becomes almost impossible to continue.
4) Mindset and dealing with low points
Q: Ultra marathons test the mind as much as the body. How did you and Daniel stay motivated and focused, and what helped in difficult moments?
Claudio: There is a lot of mental work before the run. For me, most of it happens before I commit. Once the decision is made, it is harder to turn back. As race day approaches I am keen to start because once you begin, the anxious moments and preparation give way to the single aim of reaching the goal.
In this discipline, problems will come. The difference lies in the decisions you take when they do. Visualising common issues and planning responses beforehand helps. In our case, the cause itself was a strong motivator. Keeping the children in mind kept us moving. The support of my family also made a real difference.
5) Running with a partner and wider support
Q: Ultra running is often seen as solitary, yet you completed this with a friend. What was it like to share the experience, and how did you support each other?
Claudio: Although Daniel and I were at the forefront, many people supported the cause. Some spent long hours on the track with us. My wife stayed awake for the full 35 hours, so with two short power naps I actually slept more than she did. Undertaking an event like this with someone else is very encouraging.
Before the run we focused on meeting people and companies to support the fund. That creates a bubble as the day approaches. It adds pressure, yet the support and donations remind you why you are doing it. Sharing that journey builds a bond. Being empathetic with each other while keeping personal focus was key.
If you would like to support the therapy initiative, please visit Children in Need — Donate. For practical, ready to eat meals that support training and recovery, see our Fortify Meals plans.
6. Ultra marathons are notoriously tough on the body, and recovery is a key part of the process. What steps are you taking to help your body bounce back from this challenge, and how can others optimize their recovery after endurance events?
Resting physically and mentally are vital to be in a position to bounce back and start enjoying running again. Trying to get some proper sleep over repeated number of days, and eating and drinking well are very important steps to take care of our bodies. Digesting what happened mentally, and yet keeping our feet on the ground is also an important process. Let us not forget that a run like this is a personal choice driven by the desire to do good but also to challenge oneself. On the contrary, kids that are going through such a trauma have no choice. Life has delivered massive challenges to them, and our role is to try our best to find ways on how we can try to support and improve their lives.
7. Finally, we’re all about helping our customers be productive and achieve their goals. What advice would you give to someone who’s considering taking on an ultra marathon or other endurance event, and how can they best prepare themselves for the physical and mental demands of such a challenge?
Whilst the training, eating and sleeping are a given, the mental approach is more challenging. The key trigger is the mental desire to proceed. Speaking to others that have experienced such events is a great source of information. Most people are ready to share these experiences very happily. For people who have not done extreme distances, starting with more approachable challenges will build confidence and give them the opportunity to learn more about both their bodies and their minds. This learning curve will ensure that throughout each step of their journey, they can make adjustments and if they desire, challenge themselves further.
There are a million valuable lessons to be learned from Claudio’s experience in this event that extend far beyond the race track. From the importance of consistent training and mindful nutrition to the enduring power of a community that unites to work tirelessly for a noble cause, this event has been a testament to the amazing capacity of the human spirit and generosity.
If you would like to donate to Claudio’s inspiring drive for change, visit https://www.childreninneed.org.mt/donate-now.
