JFK 50 Mile Challenge returns to Moylagh this Saturday

The Moylagh JFK 50mile challenge will be taking place once again in support of the Irish Cancer Foundation.

The challenge, which has a rich history dating back to the time of Teddy Roosevelt, has been undertaken globally for decades.

Geraldine Langtry of Westmeath is just one of the many participants getting ready to take on the journey.

“I’m a runner, I’m a Harrier,” Geraldine said with pride, “A running buddy of mine asked me one day would I like to do a challenge?

“I said once it’s not running it’s fine with me and she said it’s not running it's walking.”

Geraldine is looking forward to the walk and hoping for good weather.

“I’m probably more concerned about the weather than the distance if that makes sense.

“I’m hoping the conditions are kind to us.

“As in not too harsh, dry all the conditions that you would want.

“You don’t want to be wet or cold.”

In the lead up to the big day Geraldine has been training through long and short walks.

“I’m certainly not underestimating the challenge, it’s a long distance, I’ve been walking quite a bit for practice.

“I’m certainly not looking at it thinking I’m going to run it.

“I plan on walking it.”

Geraldine has set up a fundraising page accessible at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/gerlangtry2 for those who wish to contribute to the cause.

“My friends and family are supporting me and I’m not done pushing.

“I did something similar a couple of years ago for breast cancer.

“I think everyone has been touched by cancer,” said Geraldine, “I had breast cancer myself two years ago, I had chemotherapy and I used the services in LARC at the time.

“Then I look at my friends and people we know, I lost a friend recently enough to cancer as well in our running club so there’s loads of reasons you’d want to go support these charities.”

Geraldine has been running for over a decade, having completed her first marathon in 2013 she’s been an avid runner ever since.

“Then I sort of ended up running a bit more and then joining the running club.

“There’s great camaraderie there and company and that's just for running.

“And then the cup of coffee afterwards is often a big motivator as well, that you get to meet people for a chat.”

The Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge is just a thread in the challenges historic tapestry.

It was originally launched by John F Kennedy in 1963. The president had been inspired by Teddy Roosevelt's requirements for his military officers which demanded they be able to cover 50 miles on foot in 20 hours.

JFK held the event as a part of his push to return the US to physical fitness.

Following his death the challenge continued spreading throughout the world, such as places like the Netherlands, and eventually Moylagh.

Registration is available on the Moyla JFK 50 Mile Challenge website as well as a link for those who wish to donate.

It costs €50 to enter. Participants may be spotted throughout the day as they make their way through Westmeath, Meath and Cavan on June 6.