Clondalkin runner completes 77-day challenge for Saoirse Women’s Refuge
Challenge: Mark with Rebecca Glynn from Asics Kildare

Clondalkin runner completes 77-day challenge for Saoirse Women’s Refuge

A LONG-DISTANCE runner from Clondalkin recently completed a 77-day running challenge, and is encouraging people to donate to Saoirse Women’s Refuge in Tallaght in recognition of the feat.

Mark Conlon, from Bawnogue, is no stranger to fundraising through running. Over the years, he has completed multiple marathons for a variety of charitable causes.

For his latest challenge, called Last Person Standing, Mark set his sights on fundraising for Saoirse Women’s Refuge in Tallaght while undertaking a gruelling running challenge.

Last Person Standing started with 50 competitors last April, who had to keep clocking up miles every day to stay in the competition.

In the end, 50 competitors were whittled down to two, and in the final days of the challenge Mark was competing against Jonathan Forrest.

Mark, who is a former member of the Defence Forces, ultimately won the competition this month, after running 128km on Sunday, July 11, for a total of 14 hours and 15 minutes and beating his competitor, who dropped out after 14 hours and four minutes.

“I was absolutely shattered afterwards, both my body and mind were broken up,” Mark told The Echo.

While Mark had the backing of his sponsors; Asics in Kildare Outlet, Pure Pharmacy, and Tomas Ronan from the Active Balance Back Pain Clinic in Ballyfermot, his primary motivation was fundraising.

Raising money for Saoirse Women’s Refuge kept Mark motivated throughout the challenge, and he’s encouraging people to donate to them in recognition of his achievement.

When asked why Saoirse Women’s Refuge was his chosen charity, Mark explained: “I’m ex-army and I’ve had other jobs in a security role.

“In past jobs, I’ve seen first-hand the impact of domestic violence. I’ve witnessed domestic violence towards women way too much.

“It makes me sick to my stomach to see what women and children go through in this country, so I want to raise the funds to put the women in the right place, with the right team of people, to help them and their children.”

Mark with his mother Theresa Conlon and his running trophies

Mark said he visited the refuge in advance of Last Person Standing, and spoke with staff members Paula Garry and Nadine O’Brien.

Seeing the services that the refuge provides, such as refuge accommodation, a 24-hour helpline, a therapeutic playroom, and court accompaniment, cemented Mark’s decision to fundraise for them.

Following on from his success in Last Person Standing, Mark is hoping to raise awareness about domestic violence in the community, and the services that are available to those affected.

“My main goal is to highlight the issue as much as I can,” he said. “I’m going to the Lord Mayor of Dublin first, and then to local TDs.

“I want to highlight the issue as much as I can so women going through this know that we are here for them.”

If you’ve been affected by the issues raised, Saoirse’s 24-hour helpline is available on 01 463 0000, and further information can be found at saoirsewomensrefuge.ie.

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