Photo By: Imran Ahmed, DRIK Majority World
Maria Conceicao, founder of the Maria Cristina Foundation, successfully completed one of the world’s toughest endurance races recently as part of which she ran seven full-distance 50km ultramarathons, in each of the seven continents, across a period of seven weeks.
Seeing the 777 Challenge as a catalyst to herald a new era of awareness in order to secure the much needed financial, employment and educational support for the impoverished children and families of Bangladesh, Maria, through this challenge, has taken yet another significant step towards accomplishing the transformational work she initiated 10 years ago with the children of Dhaka from the slum of Gwair.
As part of the challenge, Maria ran a full ultra-marathon every weekend for seven weeks, one on each of the seven continents of the world. She began the 777 Challenge with Antarctica in January, then proceeding to South America, Asia, Europe, and Australia in February and on to North America and Africa in March.
Speaking about her journey so far and her vision for the foundation, Maria said: “With over six months of preparation both physically and mentally, this challenge took a lot out of me especially during the ultramarathons as I had several injuries accompanied by severe pain and fatigue. If I was doing this for myself I am certain I would have quit at several points – but, I am not doing this for myself, I’m doing it for a cause and that is the only thing that kept me going. However, despite the constant challenges and trials, me alone completing this challenge will not make the effort worthwhile. It is only when people come forward and help the foundation; the whole endeavor will be successful and a notable difference will be made.
“At MCF we need more funding, more scholarships for children, and more employment opportunities for families under the foundation. I hope my effort will show people how serious I am, and what lengths I will go to help the impoverished. I hope this opens new doors and leads to new opportunities be it me being a guest speaker at events, or endorsing brands as a humanitarian or as an athlete. I have now completed several extreme challenges and have many more planned.”
Every ultramarathon was accompanied by challenges – in Antarctica, Maria ran a hilly course that had a combination of snow, ice, gravel and mud, while the South American ultramarathon in Chile was accompanied by strong winds. For the Asian leg, Maria completed a tough course in Wadi Bih, and in Oman she ran up an elevation of 3,650ft. In the United Kingdom, she ran during the worst floods in Southern Europe and was one of only 23 runners out of 65 participants to complete the night ultramarathon in the most unforgiving weather conditions. Following that, in Melbourne she ran on a 400m track completing 125 laps, and went on to the USA where she completed the sixth ultramarathon in temperatures below zero degrees due to the recent snowstorms on the East Coast. For the final leg in South Africa, Maria came first in her age category of 35 to 39.
Speaking on the Foundation’s fund raising efforts, Imran Ahmed, a supporter of the foundation, who also served as a documentary photographer in association with DRIK/Majority World photo agency during the seven-week period, said “MCF has an ambitious fund raising target due to the overwhelming nature of the demand for its services. Traditionally the organisation relied on donations from local and international communities. However, from 2013 it has initiated a different approach to its fund raising activity by engaging local businesses and establishing long-term partnerships with them.
“For example, in December last year, the foundation entered into an innovative program with Right Bite, a local nutrition company, as part of which a percentage of the company’s monthly sales would be donated to MCF in order to support the educational cost of young children sponsored. Additionally, as part of the campaign, the company has opened an online donation counter as well as provided Maria with nutrition and support in preparation for the challenges. In just over three months the initiative has raised 30,000 AED, and at this rate it would reach AED 120,000 by the year end. We are thrilled with this initiative and would invite more business to learn from the Right Bite model and join forces.”
The 777 Challenge was supported by Nexus, Autographer, DRIK Majority World, UPS and Ziyad Rahim, Maria Conceicao’s mentor who was responsible for all the logistical arrangements of the challenge. Sponsors included Etihad Airways, NAMA, Right Bite, Dubaiytu, PROVAAT, and UPANDRUNNING Sports Medical Centre.
777 Ultramarathon Outcome:
26th January – Antarctica: 3rd overall in the male and female category.
30th January – Chile:
1st in the female category.
7th February – Oman: 8th overall.
15th February – UK: 65 participants, only 23 continued,
Maria completed the race.
23rd February – Melbourne:
Maria was severely injured,
last to cross the finish line.
2nd March – New York: Injured again, 54th place of 69 participants.
8th March – South Africa: 1st in her age category (35 – 39)
To support the Maria Cristina
Foundation, please visit
www.mariachristinafoundation.org
