Paddy all set for world’s toughest endurance race
NEW ROSS man Paddy O’Leary will set off on Wednesday to take part in the world’s toughest foot race in the Sahara Desert.
Ultra runner Paddy from Woodbine Close has been preparing for months for the gruelling race in scorching heat and said he can’t wait to set off on his journey.
He said it will take every ounce of strength to complete the 257km Marathon Des Sables. Paddy is running the event for the Walk Once More charity having suffered from terrible back pain in his early 30s.
‘‘I used to be crying trying to move. It went on for three or four years. I got the prolapsed disc from working. I was told to get an operation but I refused to and if it wasn’t for Siobhán Guiry in New Ross who treated my back and the team at Physio Matters I wouldn’t be doing this or anything today.
‘I can walk and some people can’t walk due to back injuries, while others are paraplegics.’
In preparation for the marathon, Paddy completed a 120km 24-hour Equinox marathon in England in October, despite injuring his troublesome knee along the way.
‘I didn’t sleep at all during the marathon. I wanted the mental effect of going for 24 hours. Due to my knee I had to walk some of it, but I kept going till the end because there is an 80km marathon on the longest day of the Marathon Des Sables. It was a great feeling crossing the line.’
Paddy says mental preparedness is key. ‘If you keep your mind strong you will finish. I am a very stubborn person and in all the races I started I finished them.’
One concern for Paddy is the heat he will encounter in the Sahara, where the sand temperature can reach 70 degrees celsius.
‘It will be between 40 and 50 degrees on the course, which we won’t know until we’re on the bus to the starting line.’
Paddy, who works on the meat counter in Tesco, said he will be carrying a 7kg bag with food and water throughout the race adding to the gruelling heat conditions. The Marathon Des Sables is such a difficult challenge that those competing must sign a body repatriation form
Paddy said the support he has received from the people of the New Ross district has been phenomenal.
‘I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped and supported me in my fundraising efforts. I have received well wishes and fantastic support in the run up to the Marathon Des Sables.
‘I will leave New Ross on Wednesday to take part in this amazing journey and the race itself will start on Sunday, April 8. I will be back in New Ross having hopefully completed the 257km on April 17.
‘Everyone has been a fantastic support to me and on my behalf and on behalf of the charity Walk Once More I want to say thank you.’
Paddy is hoping to raise €7,000 as the Walk Once More charity paid his race entry fee of €4,500 and he wants to give back as much as possible to the charity.
You can donate on Paddy’s charity page www.justgiving. com/paddyoleary-walkoncemore.