Crossing Borders: A Marathon Across Europe – and the Journey Back on Two Wheels

On March 27, 2024, Stefan Santifaller set off in southwestern Portugal with a wild vision: to run a marathon every day. His route took him across Europe, with a clear goal: the North Cape. And then, after reaching the North Cape, he raised the bar even higher: the return journey—this time on a gravel bike.

An interview about strength, endurance, and inspiring encounters.

Stefan, you traveled 7,700 kilometers on foot. What does it feel like to stand at the North Cape and know you’ve made it?

It’s a feeling of awe, gratitude, and deep humility. After so many kilometers on foot, I now stand here and reflect on a journey that was so much more than just physical exertion. Every step taught me that the journey itself is the goal and that we, as humans, are capable of incredible things if we just believe in ourselves. Standing at the North Cape means that dreams can become reality if you follow your heart. It’s more than just an accomplishment—it’s proof that anything is possible.

And what was your first thought when you reached your goal on September 24, 2024?

The first impulse was to pause and feel the silence. It was a moment of reflection, peace, and gratitude. Then came the emotions: my father and my brother were there—my father, who had overcome his fear of flying just to witness my journey, and my brother, who had supported me from the start. That hug was more than just a personal moment—it was the confirmation that together, we can achieve anything.

Ten pairs of running shoes—how did that feel over the course of the trip? And how did the solar panel idea work out?

Ten pairs of running shoes. Each pair tells a story. Each step brought me closer to the goal. The shoes carried me when everything else grew tired. The solar panel was my constant companion, and it worked well—at least until Scandinavia, where weather conditions made things challenging. It taught me the importance of planning and having the right gear, especially in extreme conditions.

Looking back, what impressions stand out the most?

The moments of solitude, the silence of nature—especially in the Norwegian fjords. But also the people I met along the way. These encounters truly brought the journey to life. Honestly, in the moments when I was entirely alone, I learned so much about myself. It’s the mix of challenges, nature, and humanity that gave me so much.

What was the key to overcoming such an immense challenge? How did you manage to run a marathon every day, despite not being a professional?

It was never about how fast I was or how much experience I had. It was about believing in myself—true to my philosophy: "Do. Believe. Yourself." The first step was crucial, then came daily trust in the process. I didn’t push myself too hard, but instead kept focusing on the next marathon, the next step.

Were there moments when you felt at your limit and couldn’t go any further?

There was never a moment when I seriously thought about giving up. Even though there were tough phases—extreme exhaustion, bad weather—I learned to accept these as part of the process. It was precisely the challenges that shaped me. The harder moments showed me how deeply you can draw from within to keep going.

Then, after the running, you decided to bike back. What motivated that decision?

After covering 7,700 kilometres on foot, I knew I wasn’t done yet. Cycling was not just a physical, but also a mental extension of the project. I wanted to see how my body and mind would respond to this new challenge. Additionally, I felt that saying goodbye to the route didn’t feel like the right moment. I wanted to complete the journey in a different, deeper way.

Let’s talk details: gravel bike, the great adventure—what can you tell us about your bike tour?

The gravel bike was the perfect choice—a bike designed for long distances and diverse terrain. The journey began at the North Cape, and the goal was Cabo de São Vicente, the starting point of my marathon odyssey. I intentionally chose a different route from the run to explore new mountain paths and undiscovered landscapes. Forty days and nearly 7,000 kilometres through Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal—what an adventure!

What were the highlights of the bike tour?

Every kilometer was a highlight. The vastness of the Finnish highlands, the rugged Pyrenees, the vineyards in the Ahr Valley, or the historic coast of France—each region had its own magic. Reuniting with Umeå, my old university town, was particularly memorable. It was like a time warp that showed me how many changes and how much stays the same.

Were there less enjoyable moments?

Of course. Urban areas, busy roads, and industrial zones were not my favourites. Lots of traffic, little recovery. But even these moments are part of a big adventure. It’s not just about the destination, but also about what you learn about yourself and life along the way.

How did you manage overnight stays and equipment on the bike tour?

I travelled minimally. Everything I needed was packed in CYCLITE bikepacking bags. For overnight stays, I combined camping with occasional accommodations and relied on the hospitality of locals. These spontaneous invitations made the project truly special. These encounters showed me that travelling is about more than just the physical distance—it’s about the people you meet along the way.

What remains after such an incredibly intense adventure?

What remains is the knowledge that you can achieve more than you ever imagined. And that everything in life is possible with the right mindset and a clear goal. This adventure taught me not only physical but also mental limits. I learned that the greatest challenges are the ones you set for yourself and that true fulfilment comes from the simpler moments—encounters, nature, and feeling you’re in the right place at the right time.

And what comes next? What are your future goals?

The project continues for me. I want to share the experiences and lessons through lectures and possibly a book. There are always new challenges, but for now, I’m also looking forward to settling back into everyday life—a familiar bed, favourite meals. But the next adventure is never far away. Life remains a journey, and the journey is the best way to grow.

Photo Credits: Argento Artistry