Marathon man Ollie completes epic run
Tenure man Ollie McHugh who did a very unusual ‘marathon’ around his home to raise funds for frontline staff.
SURE, what else would you be doing on a sunny Easter Saturday, then running around your garden 550 times?
Well that’s what Tinure man Ollie McHugh did, taking in 63km and smashing his goal of raising €5,000 for frontline healthcare staff.
“I’d do anything to get out of doing the painting,” said Ollie with a laugh. “It was all getting a bit monotonous sitting at home, and all we keep hearing is bad news, so I thought I’d do something as a big thank you from our family, to those on the frontline.”
In fact, to date, Ollie’s efforts have raised €6,240 and counting, as donations can be accepted until this Saturday.
The ultramarathon run began at 8am on Saturday morning after a hearty breakfast, and Ollie set off on his gentle jog in brilliant sunshine.
“I actually prefer running in the rain, but it was 18 degrees at one stage, and I must admit, the going was quite tough from start to finish, but the good thing is, I could take it at my own pace, as I had no one else to compete with,” he explains.“I usually finish a normal marathon in around three and a half hours, but I was under no time pressure so just got in the zone, and was able to take four or five little short breaks throughout the day.”
In fact, it took him just shy of eight hours to complete and he had lots of support from his wife Helen, who is an accomplished runner, and his daughters Kayleigh (20), Emma (17) and Sarah (13).
“I had asked people not to come down to the house for their own safety, but Ronan Wogan at www.myrunresults.ie live-streamed it and people were watching and sending in messages of support which was great to hear,” he adds.
Ollie has run 30 marathons before, many to raise money for Team Carrie and the Gary Kelly Centre and, this time is delighted to have raised €6,240 for the frontline staff of Our Lady of Lourdes hospital from his one-day marathon and a half.
“I just want to say how blown away I am from all the support, well wishes and of course the donations, one word “unbelievable,” added Ollie. “I know a lot of people working in the hospital and I hope the money can ease the pressure a bit, and we hope to split it between the frontline staff and the oncology unit, who both do such incredible work.
Ollie got to put his feet up on Easter Sunday and have a well-earned rest, and says he was well-looked after by the four women!
“We’re going to keep the page open (GoFundMe Ollie’s ultramarathon) until Saturday so people can throw a few more bob in, and I might do something else soon, so watch this space!”
Meanwhile, the painting awaits...