MCLEAN, Va. (DC News Now)- McLean-based entrepreneur Frank Fumich is constantly seeking his next physical challenge. The Great World Race presented him with a crucible like none other: Running a marathon on each continent in a week. In Nov. 2024, he and a friend joined with a few dozen like-minded runners in South Africa, boarding a plane to Antarctica. After racing in Antarctica, they flew back to South Africa for a race in Cape Town. On the third day, they raced in Perth, Australia. Then, they flew to Istanbul, racing one day on the European side, and the next day, on the Asian side. For the South American leg of the challenge, they went to Cartagena, Colombia. They wrapped up the journey in Miami for the final marathon. MoCo Minute | Montgomery County launches veteran business preference program The group was either flying, or they were running, Fumich said. Other runners used the flight time for recovery, breaking out massagers and therapeutic equipment. Fumich said he winged it, settling in to his seat with a glass of whiskey, hoping to get some rest. “It was the first time in my life I was like I hope this plane ride is forever.," he said, savoring each moment in the sky. “You know pretty much immediately you get out and run.” Fumich, who didn't begin running until he was 30 years old, is an accomplished outdoorsman and athlete. He's summited half of the world's highest mountains. Racks of medals in his basement gym are a testament to the miles he's clocked in races over the years. Many of his races have been to benefit veterans' charities and other philanthropic causes. “People are capable of doing way more than they think they are. I think anyone can do anything if you just set your mind to it and don’t give up," he said. "I’m just an average person, physically, I don’t have any incredible talents. My talent is just not giving up."