Eight marathons in eight days to raise funds for club

EIGHT marathons in eight days is the challenge for a youth worker, who is putting his body on the line to raise funds for the juvenile running section of his club.

Graham Griffiths, a member of Cherry Orchard Running Club, started the challenge on Friday, February 25, and hopes to finish it on Friday, March 4, amid a welcome party at Cherry Orchard Park.

An online iDonate page has already reached it’s target and continues to rise, with over €2,600 received by Tuesday morning.

“We had our first summer running programme last year, taking the kids out on trips, just to give them a little reward for their hard work,” said Graham, a youth worker with FamiliBase.

“It is not easy getting up and out in the cold, especially for young kids.”

Kenneth O’Driscoll, established the club in 2013 and it has made a positive impact on youngsters in the community, who see them out running on local roads every week.

“It lifts the spirts, they look up to people in the area,” said Graham.

“Trying to keep kids in the area active is important. I know there is loads of sports and activities in the area, but not everyone is into football or GAA. We want to get them away from Xboxes. It is really easy to fall into anti-social habits.”

Graham picked up an injury on Tuesday and his foot swelled up “like a balloon”, but some ice, hot water and a couple of painkillers, are helping him see out the challenge.

The route starts in Cherry Orchard, heads towards Liffey Valley, Leixlip, Adamstown, Tallaght, Templeogue, Terenure, Harold’s Cross, up the canal, and back to Cherry Orchard.

The juvenile section and the adult section of the club meet up on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, plus a Saturday morning run for the adults.

Recently the club have encouraged youngsters to get involved in the 2km Junior Parkrun, which is a separate activity to the club. The Junior Parkrun takes place at Cherry Orchard Park, on Sundays at 9.30am.

“That is for everybody,” said Graham.

“The kids get little bibs, their run is timed, it’s great fun. Adults can run it with their kids.”

Kids can be registered for the Junior Parkrun at www.parkrun.ie/cherryorchard-juniors.

Anyone who wishes to donate to Graham’s marathon challenge can do so at IDonate.