Friends help Alan finish marathon task
A dodgy Achilles tendon proved to be an Achilles heel for Blackrock based Garda Alan Conlon when he attempted to run seven marathons in seven days. The Ardee native was forced to call it quits after completing an gruelling five marathons in five days, but local runners from RockSalt took up the baton and completed two further marathons ensuring that the ambitious challenge was completed in aid of the Little Blue Heroes Trust.
‘It was a great week,’ Alan told The Argus. ‘Every day brought new physical and mental challenges. I felt stronger as the week went on. All the messages of support really helped spur me on.’
However, he explained ‘Unfortunately after my fifth marathon the pain in my Achilles became too much. But the fantastic team at RockSalt runners chipped in for the last two marathons to complete my challenge.’
This saw RockSalt runners Dan and Ronan taking to the roads around Blackrock on Saturday, while Vanessa Schmid tackled a full marathon on Sunday.
Alan said he was ‘ overwhelmed by the fantastic community spirit and teamwork over the week.’
Donations will close tomorrow ( Wednesday) night. ‘Currently we have almost €6,000 raised and I’m hoping to surpass that come Wednesday.’
He is delighted to have been able to raise so much money for the Garda charity which helps the families of seriously ill children, through financial aid but also by bringing joy into the children’s lives with special visits and presentations.
‘I only had to suffer for a handful of days compared to some people’s struggles on a daily basis so your donations really do help families in need,’ he told his social media followers. ‘ This had been an amazing experience. I have learned so much and I’m truly blown away by people’s kindness. To each and every person who donated, ran a few kms, sent me a message or helped me in any way, thank you from the bottom of my heart.’
Donations can be made through the Little Blue Heroes page on Facebook.