FOR most people running a single marathon is a daunting prospect. But imagine doing one every week for a year. That is the task Lifford man Gerard Campbell set himself, all in the name of the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

Gerard told the Donegal News he was inspired to embark on his gruelling journey by television and radio star Ray D’Arcy.

“I was sitting listening to the radio one day at the start of this year and I heard Ray talk about a marathon challenge. He was trying to raise money for the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and was enticing people to take part. I was already convinced by Ray’s plea to undertake the challenge, but by sheer happenstance I got word that a cousin’s grandchild was due to enter the hospice. That was the news that sealed my determination to go ahead.”

Recently Gerard travelled to Phoenix Park in Dublin where a get-together was organised for all those who undertook the marathon challenge. He got to meet his fellow runners as well as Ray D’Arcy.

Already a keen runner and a 15-year member of the Marathon Club of Ireland, Gerard is well used to enduring long distance treks, but even he admits it was difficult at the start.
“A marathon takes a lot of preparation and doing one every week was always going to be difficult.
“You need to give your body time to rest after which is difficult when the marathons come thick and fast. But as time goes on my body got used to it and it became easier. I was incredibly lucky that I didn’t come down with any injuries. With just days left, I hope that I’ll stay injury-free for the remainder of the challenge, touch wood.”
With Covid blighting the prospect of any competitive marathon running, Gerard has had to content himself with running the 26.2 miles without that competitive edge – although he does credit members of the Strabane and Lifford Athletics Club with joining him at times, offering support and encouragement in pursuit of his goal.
As places began to open and restrictions fell, Gerard was able to travel to the likes of Belfast, Kildare and Clonakilty as well as destinations such as Berlin. A proposed trip to Chicago had to be postponed due to Covid but he is hopeful he can compete there next year.
Despite it being the festive season, Gerard has no intentions of taking Christmas off.
“I’ll be soldiering on, no matter what week it is. My wife is Scottish and we’re spending Christmas with her parents and I’ll do a marathon while I’m over there. One of the plusses about these marathons is that I can eat whatever I want, and the weight never goes on me so indulging shouldn’t be a problem.”
As 2022 looms and with only a couple of marathons left, Gerard is hopeful he can reach a total of £2,000.
“At the minute I’m sitting at over £1,500. I have a page at iDonate.ie and a collection going at work which should get me to my goal.”