Zach Vella completes epic run from London to Malta in aid of the homeless

Ultra-endurance runner Zach Vella arrived home in Malta on Monday after completing a gruelling 2,755km run from London, raising more than €145,000 for YMCA Malta.

The 33-year-old finished his mammoth challenge after 51 days on the road, having set off from London's Mahatma Gandhi Hall at the Indian YMCA on March 22.

From there, he ran through France, Switzerland, and Italy before reaching Malta, averaging around 55km a day, more than a marathon every single day for nearly two months. 

“Super happy to have managed to achieve what we set out to achieve and super grateful for the support, and happy to be home,” Vella told Times of Malta.

Zach Vella running the final leg home with supporters. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

His campaign, Miles from Home, was launched to raise money and awareness for homelessness in Malta. The funds will help YMCA Malta expand its drop-in centre, offering more space for meals, showers, counselling, and daily support. 

The project will also include a semi-independent apartment for six people moving out of homelessness. 

Vella arrived from Sicily by catamaran on Monday, where he was greeted by friends and family. He was then joined by fellow runners for a final, symbolic run to YMCA Malta's offices in Merchant Street, Valletta.

Zach Vella (middle) surrounded by his crew, friends and family members as he arrived in Malta. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Swiss Alps were ‘unreal’

The journey pushed Vella and his 40-person crew through sun, rain, and punishing terrain, from lakeside roads to bumpy Italian streets. 

One of the toughest moments came on day 20, when Vella crossed the Swiss mountains with just one support crew member beside him. For an afternoon, they pushed through remote terrain and knee-deep snow. 

“Crossing the Alps was unreal. On paper, it felt like a momentous challenge and obstacle to overcome,” he said. "It was a challenge, but definitely a memorable day."

Other highlights included meeting Maltese supporters in Zurich, who joined him by running and cycling along part of the route.  

One afternoon spent in the Swiss Alps: Zach Vella experienced snow during his 51-day challenge. Photo: HomeBound

But the mental battle grew harder once the team entered Italy. 

"We had achieved a lot by that point, but we were still halfway through the journey, so we still had a long way to go," he said. The warmer climate, including a week-long heatwave, added to the strain.  

Despite the heat, exhaustion and minor injuries, Vella kept going by focusing on the purpose behind the run, tapping into "why we are doing this, the mission behind it and YMCA."

"We were also a strong community pulling the same rope every day, and being positive and encouraging each other played a big role. Also seeing all the messages from home also helped and kept us accountable and on track everyday."

The challenge smashed its original €100,000 target. The total included a €60,000 donation from the Alfred Mizzi Foundation, while Framegrip Ltd (Apertures) and Hal Mann Vella (Tiling) pledged in-kind support. 

YMCA CEO Anthony Camilleri described Vella and his team as "inspirational".

"These are advocates for people who are not only without a roof over their head, but also voiceless," he said. 

In 51 days, Zach ran in four different countries, in different terrains and weather. Photo: HomeBound

Vella said he has more ideas for future challenges, but nothing concrete yet. 

For now, he plans to do something far less punishing: relax and recover on the couch.

Donations can still be made via homebound.mt.