The famous Ironman race in Hawaii got it start in 1978 as the result of a number of Navy Seals arguing over who was the fittest athlete – swimmer, biker or runner. Now another Navy Seal has inspired a new athletic challenge – the 4-4-48.
This new challenge entails doing 4 miles (6.44 km) every 4 hours for 48 hours. One of these challenges will be taking place in Toronto, Canada in March. The 4-4-48 running challenge is something American Navy Seal and ultramarathon legend David Goggins claims is one of the toughest mental and physical pursuits around. (Goggins has also done many triathlons, including the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.) This two day challenge has been taken on by many different athletes and from March 5 to 7 this year a virtual challenge will take place through The Maddie Project Community, in support of the North York General Foundation.
Athletes completing the 4-4-48 challenge will run 48 miles (77.25 km) over a 48 hour span, which is almost two marathons. While this effort might not seem too daunting to the seasoned full distance competitor, it might offer a unique athletic challenge for triathletes if events continue to be put on hold during the pandemic. Perhaps completing another Navy Seal-inspired event can help triathletes upgrade their performance!
