Athletes James Colbert and Sean Buckley with Top models Roz Purcell and Holly Carpenter. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
Challenge yourself for charity!
The Endurance Challenge is a nationwide push for charity, with events happening in each of the four provinces. Participants will be invited to take part in cycle tours around the country, a swim in the River Shannon, and one of four consecutive marathons in Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster, with the aim of raising €500,000 for Breakthrough Cancer Research.
The Endurance Challenge was created by Sean Buckley and James Colbert, in memory of Sean’s father James Buckley, who passed away from cancer. The pair aim to complete the full 2,068km of the challenge, breaking records by running in all four marathons, swimming 120km of the River Shannon, and cycling through every county in Ireland in 22 days.
Breakthrough Cancer Research raise funds to directly support scientists and laboratories involved in cancer research. Their work has brought over five new treatments to Irish patients in the past 15 years.
The Leinster cycle tour will start on the 14th of August and take place over three days, travelling from Dublin City to Kilkenny, through Wicklow Town and Bunclody on the first day, to Athlone via Carlow, Athy, Stradbally Tullamore and Ballymahon on the second, before returning to Dublin on the third, going through Mullingar, Navan and Drogheda on the way. Overnight accommodation and meals, tour jerseys, and medical and mechanical support will all be covered by participants’ deposits and pledges.
The Leinster marathon will take place on the 23rd of August in Donabate, and will be the first run in the grounds of the Newbridge House and Farm. Runners of all levels and speeds are invited to take part, as registration is open not only for the marathon, but also for the half marathon, 10km and 5km distances. It is a great way to warm up for October’s Dublin City Marathon!
Breakthrough Cancer Research’s campaigns manager, Eoghan O’Sullivan said “Anyone can participate in the Endurance Challenge event series, whether you are an amateur or professional cyclist, a marathon runner or 5k enthusiast. It’s not only an excuse to get fit but it will also make a huge difference to the research projects our scientists are currently undertaking as we have set an ambitious target of €500,000.”
Registration for the full marathon is €80, €50 for the half marathon, €25 for the 10km, and €20 for the 5km. For the three day cycle tour of Leinster, a deposit of €75 will ensure your place, with a pledge to raise or donate €300 on top of that.
For more information about the Endurance Challenge, you can visit their website.
By Aimée Mac Leod
