50 marathons in 50 days in sight for Wicklow runner
28-YEAR-OLD Dmytro Moyseyev from Wicklow is putting the final preparations in place for the end of his 50/50 Challenge, which will see him run 50 consecutive marathons over 50 days.
Dmytro of Wicklow town decided to take on the ultra-endurance challenge to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society, achieving 555 kilometres in the process, the equivalent of walking from Mizen Head to Malin Head.
“The amount of support I have been receiving has really helped drive me on,” said Dmytro. “I carried out most of the runs in Phoenix Park in Dublin, just because it is a handy location. I also carried out part of the challenge in London. I actually started to feel surprisingly stronger the longer the challenge went on. The first week was difficult enough, and I picked up a knee injury early enough which I thought might the end of me, but thankfully it started to feel better. I actually started to run faster the longer the challenge went on.
“The amount of calories I have to eat is ridiculous, up to 7,000 calories a day. It was fun at the start, eating donuts for breakfast and having things like cheese cake, but it’s just not sustainable, as much fun as it might be.”
Supporters have also been joining Dmytro while he is out on one of his runs, which provides him with all the encouragement he needs to complete the gruelling challenge.
“So many great people have come out to run with me, which is wonderful, especially given the time of year and the weather. I have had people who ran their first half marathon or their first marathon alongside me, and seeing people really pushing themselves encourages me to push myself further even further as well.”
The final run of the challenge takes place on Sunday, February 18, with the first 38km run taking place in Phoenix Park from 9am. The final 4km will involve a run from Phoenix Park to the lululemon store at Grafton Street, where a finale event will be held from 1.15pm.
Anyone wishing to make a donation towards Dmytro’s campaign can do so by visiting Dmytro’s GoFundMe page titled Project 555 & 50I50 - ICS Fundraiser.