Shane Finn from Dingle, Co. Kerry, is taking on the huge challenge of running 24 marathons consecutively over 24 days – 26.2 miles per day or a total of 628.8 miles – and Ford is providing a support vehicle to help with the very worthwhile initiative.
Shane is undertaking his marathon trek in aid of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) and in so doing, he hopes to raise a total of €100,000 to support the valuable work of SBHI. Shane has been inspired to fundraise for SBHI because of his cousin, Mary, who lives with the condition.
“A big thanks to Ford for providing a support vehicle that we will use over the duration of my attempt to run 24 marathons in 24 days. An event like this really depends on having world class support. I have a wonderful team behind me and now having the use of a new Ford Tourneo Custom mini-bus will be a huge help,” said Shane.
“The number 24 is symbolic for me as I can see quite clearly how 24 hours a day can be difficult for someone with a disability and for their wider family. I have previously run 12 marathons in 12 days so with this new challenge I wanted to push myself to try to complete 24 marathons in 24 days.”
Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland said: “We are delighted to support Shane in his quest to complete 24 marathons in 24 days – we hope that our support vehicle will really help Shane to ‘Go Further’ in every sense. It is a very worthy cause and we wish Shane every success as he embarks on his ambitious challenge.”
Starting on June 22, Shane will begin his first run of 26.2 miles in Co Donegal and then over the next 24 days he will run an additional marathon each day, winding his way through 24 counties in Ireland until he reaches his home town of Dingle as his final stop.
24-year-old Shane has always been interested in running and keeping fit. In 2013, Shane took this passion further and set up his own company, WK Fitness in his native Kerry.
Thousands of people across Ireland live with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. Whilst the effects of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus vary, most people with Spina Bifida face significant physical challenges, whilst those living with Hydrocephalus usually have issues relating to brain function.
64% of people who have Spina Bifida will also have Hydrocephalus and whilst you can only ever be born with Spina Bifida, anyone can develop Hydrocephalus. This usually happens following an impact to the head, when the new cavity fills with cerebrospinal fluid and injures the brain tissue.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) is the national organisation that works to ensure that every person living with the conditions is given the best opportunities to fulfil their true potential.
Shane’s support vehicle is a new Ford Transit Tourneo Custom with a 170PS 2.0 litre TDCi diesel powertrain with 9 seats and large luggage area for carrying all of the equipment and supplies needed to ensure the success of the 24 Marathons, 24 Days initiative.
Follow Shane’s progress in achieving his goal on: www.24marathons24days.ie/
*(texts cost €4 – SBHI will receive a minimum of €3.25 Service provider: LIKECHARITY)
Shane’s 24 day route:
June 22 Donegal town to Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo
June 23 Ballina, Co. Mayo to Castlebar, Co. Mayo
June 24 Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo to Galway City
June 25 Athenry, Co. Galway to Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
June 26 Ballinasloe, Co. Galway to Roscommon town
June 27 Athlone town to Longford town
June 28 Cavan town to Ballybay, Co. Monaghan
June 29 Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan to Ardee, Co. Louth
June 30 Dundalk, Co. Louth to Bettystown, Co. Meath
July 1 Julianstown, Co. Meath to Clonshaugh, Co. Dublin
July 2 Mullingar, Co. Westmeath to Tullamore, Co. Offaly
July 3 Tullamore, Co. Offaly to Portlaoise, Co. Laois
July 4 Portlaoise, Co. Laois to Newbridge, Co. Kildare
July 5 Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin to Wicklow town
July 6 Arklow, Co. Wicklow to Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
July 7 Carlow town to Kilkenny city
July 8 Kilkenny city to Thurles, Co. Tipperary
July 9 Clonmel, Co. Tipperary to Waterford city
July 10 Waterford city to Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
July 11 Youghal, Co. Cork to Cobh, Co. Cork
July 12 Ballinhassig, Co. Cork to Clonakilty, Co. Cork
July 13 Bantry, Co. Cork to Kenmare, Co. Kerry
July 14 Ballybunion, Co. Kerry to Blennerville, Co. Kerry
July 15 Tralee, Co. Kerry to Dingle, Co. Kerry
