Micko helps launch Shane Finn's '12 Marathons 12 Days'
May 21, 2014
Shane Finn will run 12 marathons in 12 days
Local runner Shane Finn, who turns 22 this weekend, will run 12 marathons in 12 days, all in aid of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI). Shane will begin his adventure in Dublin's Phoenix Park on June 3, and finish 314.4 miles later in Dingle, taking a route west as far as Kilbeggan in Co. Westmeath before turning south for Tullamore and onto Birr.
The finishing line will be outside the WK Fitness Gym in the heart of Dingle, which Shane has just opened along with fellow West Kerry man Mark Evans.
The official opening of the new state-of-the-art gym coincided with the launch of Shane's latest charity challenge and was attended by over 200 people, as well as many notable guest speakers, including the great Micko.
Both Shane and Mark have played GAA for Dingle, with 25-year-old Mark being a key forward for the club's seniors and a former underage star for Kerry.
A seasoned athlete with 10 marathons under his belt, Shane understands the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
"It will definitely be the hardest thing I've ever done - but the most exciting too. I'm always looking to challenge myself and test my limits, and to be able to raise vitally needed funds for a great charity while doing so is a dream come true," he said.
SBHI is a charity close to Shane's heart. His cousin, Mary, suffers from the condition and she is his primary motivation for this task.
The extreme difficulty of Shane's task is alleviated by the support of the Irish sporting community, some of whom spoke on Saturday evening. Jim Breen, head of the Cycle Against Suicide, acted as MC on the evening. He spoke of his first encounter with Shane, and vowed that should he be available, on the toughest day Shane has during the challenge, he will come to his aid and run alongside him.
Breast Cancer survivor, Orla Winters, described the important role exercise played, both mentally and physically, in her recovery. Dr. John Chute, an expert in sports medicine, endorsed the medicinal effect of exercise.
SBHI's Peter Landy, who is proud member of Hunterstown Rovers GAA in Co. Louth, thanked Shane on behalf of the charity and explained that the only funding they are given is to cover the salaries of their employees - the rest, he stated, rests on the generosity of people like Shane. Although unable to attend the launch, Mullingar marathon runner extraordinaire, Gerry Duffy, has given his public support to the challenge and has promised to run at least one of the 12 marathons with Shane.
Shane aims to raise €20,000 for the charity through this initiative. To donate, visit his 'mychairty.ie' page or donate in person. Bucket collections will take place in each town on his route.
To follow Shane's progress or for more information on the challenge, visit the '12 Marathons 12 Days' Facebook page, or 12marathons-12days.com for blogs and much more. Tweet
