THE GOAN NETWORK | DOHA
There is no stopping USA-based Goan Francis Borges. If in April this year, he successfully competed in the Boston Marathon and bagged his 6-star medal from Abbott World Major Marathons, it was now his turn to conquer the awe-inspiring peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Cuncolim-born Global Head of Food Value Chain and Carbon Program at UPL “ a company which offers sustainable agriculture technology, smart farming practices, innovative crop solutions to farmers and agribusinesses “ successfully reached Mount Kilimanjaro, along with his daughter, Karen, and son, Kelvin.
Francis embarked on the remarkable journey opting for the challenging Lemosho route and it took them seven days to achieve the feat and tons of dedication.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's loftiest mountain and the world's highest freestanding peak above sea level, stands tall at an impressive altitude of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
Scaling Kilimanjaro proved to be Francis' most formidable feat yet, presenting a host of challenges: extreme altitude, harsh weather, and demanding physical exertion. Such conditions could pose serious health risks to those unprepared.
Fortunately, Francis had diligently trained on the 14,000-foot-high slopes of Mount Bierstadt in Colorado to strengthen his endurance.
After surmounting the struggle and conquering the summit, Francis realised that their journey was merely halfway complete. The descent, characterised by steep terrain and testing underfoot conditions, demanded the utmost focus.
Francis has been supporting and promoting many social causes in different countries, including his home state of Goa, and has, so far, competed in 11 marathons and several other half-marathons including races in India.
The Boston Marathon saw him raise money for the American Red Cross of Massachusetts.
The Mount Kilimanjaro challenge also saw Francis approach the adventure with a philanthropic spirit. Despite the trials and triumphs of climbing Kilimanjaro, he remained committed to giving back.
With the generous support of his colleagues at UPL's OpenAg centre, Francis had prepared a thoughtful donation of school supplies for The Stella Maris Primary School. This institution was established to provide English-medium education, nutrition, and support to underprivileged, orphaned, and at-risk children aged 5 to 12 in the Mailisita Village area.
“This expedition held significance beyond personal achievement. It served as a testament to my unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others, one step at a time,” said Francis.
Always connected to his roots in Cuncolim and Goa, Francis hopes that his sporting adventures will inspire youngsters in Goa.
“Hope to see many Goans taking part in sporting events and the sporting culture spreading throughout Goa and people following a healthy lifestyle,” said Francis.
Earlier this year, Borges received a 6-star medal from Abbott World Major Marathons and joined a select group of runners who have the unique record in their kitty, for his feat of taking part in the six top marathon races of the world.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors is a series consisting of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world: Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, Francis went to the Our Lady of Health High School, Cuncolim and pursued further studies at Chowgule Higher Secondary School, St Xavier's College, Mapusa and higher education in Mumbai.
“I have done fundraising at each of my marathons. My colleagues, friends and family have supported me with generous donations and best wishes,” said Francis, who is an avid football fan.
Earlier speaking to The Goan about his 11 marathons overall and the sixth one which gave him the unique record, Francis said he has run marathons in six cities and across three continents.
