Tenerife Athlete Launches 'Challenge 888' to Support Children with Cancer
Tenerife athlete Aythami Rodríguez Suárez is set to run eight marathons across the Canary Islands in eight days to raise funds and awareness for the Pequeño Valiente Foundation, which supports children battling cancer.
In Spain, endurance sports are increasingly being used to support important causes. As reported by El Día, Tenerife athlete Aythami Rodríguez Suárez has launched "Challenge 888," an ambitious project to raise awareness and funds for the Pequeño Valiente Foundation, which supports children with cancer and their families.
Starting November 28, Rodríguez Suárez will run eight marathons in eight days, visiting every island in the Canary archipelago. The challenge is a massive test of physical and mental strength, made even more difficult by the complex travel required between islands. To prepare, the Bikila Canarias runner has balanced his full-time job in the aeronautical sector with a grueling training schedule that includes double daily sessions and careful recovery.
The idea for the challenge began during a training trip to Kenya, where Rodríguez Suárez decided to use his athletic skills to create a positive social impact. His commitment to the Pequeño Valiente Foundation grew after meeting the children and families the organization helps, turning the project into a personal mission.
The journey runs from November 28 to December 5. The first stage on La Graciosa is expected to be the most difficult due to the sandy terrain. The route continues through Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera, before finishing in Tenerife.
This initiative is part of a growing movement of athletes using their platforms to drive philanthropy. For Rodríguez Suárez, managing exhaustion and adapting to the unique geography of each island will be key to his success. Ultimately, the challenge is more than just an athletic feat; it is a call for greater public and institutional support for children fighting cancer.