Moylagh hosts Europe's biggest 50 mile challenge

 

The Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge is back for its 7th year – promising to be bigger and better, hosting up to 1000 people.

The event takes place this Saturday, June 9.

Along with members of the Irish Defence forces, the crowd will head off at 6am to cover a spectacular scenic route through Counties Meath, Cavan and Westmeath, taking in the megalithic Loughcrew, the majestic forest of Mullaghmeen and the Seven Wonders of Fore.

Participants from all walks of life take part in the event for a mix of reasons: some just want an endurance challenge, some do it for a loved one with cancer or a friend lost to cancer.

Many compare the challenge to the Camino De Santiago.

Registration is open at www.50milechallenge.com and 80% of funds raised are in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, and the remainder supports the work of LARCC Cancer Support.

The challenge inherits its name from an endurance test first handed down by John F Kennedy to the military to cover 50 miles on foot within 20 hours.

The local community in Moylagh have surpassed themselves every year with the generosity of the community along the route, with neighbouring communities also playing a vital role in supporting the participants on their journey. The event organisers provide food and walk for the walker/runners and provide a truly memorable day, all run by volunteers.

Last year participants ranged in age from 18 to 70 and over 240 of the 760 participants completed the entire course.

Members of the Irish Defence Forces will be taking part in full military attire, and they are confident that they can complete the tough challenge.

Amongst them is physical training instructor Eamonn Fitzsimons who is completing the challenge in memory of his mother Sarah who died from cancer.

The Dromone local poignantly walked the first challenge in 2012 with his mother who was fighting cancer at the time.

Eamonn recalled, “Without knowing it at the time, it was the last June I would ever spend with my mother and the last ever event I would ever attend with her. She was determined to take part in what to her was a unique event in the history of the parish.”

Sarah passed away in early 2013 and Eamonn has continued to walk in her memory. Each year the Sarah Sadie Fitzsimons Memorial Trophy is given to the person who raises the most funds for the two charities.

This year brings yet again more great news, with the event now officially the biggest in Europe and eagerly in second place in the world of 50 Mile Challenges. Moylagh are looking to grow even stronger and provide a day to not only remember but also to move people emotionally, a day to never forget.

One other man on a mission is Martin Sheridan, who is on his 6th year doing the 50 miles, he is not content enough with the 50 miles and is going to do the “extra 50 miles” in fact it’s an extra 310 miles. Martin is married to Nicole for the past 20 years and has two boys, Michael and Thomas.

“I feel life is good at the present so I decided to set myself a challenge. I love walking and to date have completed 14 marathons and this year I will complete my 6th JFK 50 mile challenge.

“So what better way to spend 9 days but walking 310 miles from Malin head in Donegal to Sneem in Co Kerry and raising much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society though the JFK 50 mile challenge.”

“Plenty have told me I’m mad and that it can’t be done.

“Yes it will be hard but I just think about all those who are going through treatment for cancer and every day they put one foot in front of the other and keep going not matter how difficult.

“We all know someone who has had cancer or who is going through treatment at present be that a member of your family or a friend. My own personal story is that of my father in-law Michael Smith.

“Michael was first diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in 1983 at the age of 36. Michael survived for 7 yrs and unfortunately lost his battle with this illness at 43 years of age in December 1990 leaving his wife Mary and family of 4 young children from 15 years down to 4 years of age.

“Thankfully today through the advancement in research, early detection and treatment means that more people are surviving this cancer and go on to lead full lives.”

No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch. A journey of 50 miles starts with a single step… Let’s take it!

Sign up now at www.50milechallenge.com or see 50milechallenge on Facebook for more information.

To donate food, water or any other supplies please contact info@50milechallenge.com