Five Donegal lads are set to take part in the take part in the world’s longest running multi-sports event – Coast to Coast New Zealand.
Arthur McMahon (Milford), Managing Director Donegal Oil Company and Founder of Donegal Oil Foundation, Boyd Robinson (Letterkenny), Gerard Callaghan (Letterkenny), Shaun Stewart (Creeslough), George Kelly (Downings) along with two well known crew members Rory Kennedy (Letterkenny) and Padrag McGinty (Downings) will take part in the event on February 10th 2023.
The Kathmandu Coast to Coast NZ is an iconic multi sport event based in the South Island of New Zealand.
Held every February, the race starts on the West Coast, at Kumara beach and traverses the width of the South Island, crossing the main divide where we will reach over 1000 metres above sea level, before dropping down into the braided Waimakariri River, followed by a 70km bike in to the finish line on the East coast at Christchurch’s New Brighton beach.
The group members will each be participating as individuals in the event and each of them will undertake to complete a 3 kilometre run, a 55 kilometre cycle, a 30.5 kilometre mountain run, a 17 kilometre cycle, an 800 metre run (gravel), a 67 kilometre kayak and a final 70 kilometre cycle; total 243 kilometres.
Arthur McMahon said it is an exciting but challenging event.
“Our entries were booked pre-covid and had to be postponed due to the pandemic and we are all so delighted that the time has finally arrived.
“The team have been training for this now for some time and I am delighted that we are participating as “Team Donegal Oil”, the first Team from our beautiful County of Donegal to take part.
“It’s always great to find new challenges and for years our “Team Donegal Oil” members have been pushing the boat out to find new and exciting challenges at home here in Donegal and all over the world.
“This one certainly being the furthest one we will have undertaken to date.”
The entire trip is sponsored and fully funded, so when the group discussed what charity they would like to raise some funds for, they knew it had to be for a cause that was close to all their hearts and local so, they choose Relay for Life Donegal.
“Each one of us has had a family member or friend affected by Cancer and we have the utmost admiration for the hard working team who every year organise an event at the Atlantic Technological University Donegal in memory of those that we have lost and to support the survivors and those that are still battling cancer.
“Every single cent raised by us will go directly to the Relay for Life Donegal Charity.” concludes Arthur.
Relay for life Donegal is a 24 hour, community celebration. A unique, empowering and fun event that has something for everyone, young and old alike.
At the heart of Relay is the opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who are no longer with us. Teams of people and individuals alike take turns walking around a track at The ATU.
Speaking on behalf of Relay For Life Donegal, Ena Barrett says, “Because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the 24 hour event.
“Otherwise everyone is free to socialise, enjoy live entertainment and participate in lots of fun activities!
“When you Relay, you are supporting the provision of ongoing Irish Cancer Society Services throughout Donegal. However, everyone in the community is invited to come along and experience this inspiring event of celebration and commemoration.
“Two of the highlights during the Relay event are the Survivors’ Lap where we celebrate cancer survivorship and the Candle of Hope Ceremony, where we remember loved ones.
“We are just thrilled and so grateful to Arthur McMahon and the other lads who choose us as their preferred charity for this event. We would like to wish them a very safe and enjoyable trip and look forward to following them on their journey over the coming weeks,” said Ms Barrett.
You can follow their updates on: Facebook: TeamDonegalOilAdventureChallenge and Instagram: @donegaloil
If you would like to donate to Relay for Life Donegal, you can do so here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/coasttocoastNZ
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