Lauren runs 100km for Irish Cancer Society

BALLYFERMOT native and ultramarathon runner Lauren Reardon completed a huge feat on Saturday as she ran 100km around South Dublin to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Lauren took on the task of running 100km in one day alongside her running coach, Shane Shiels, who managed a huge 125km run in aid of LauraLynn, a charity close to his heart.

Their hard work paid off in the end, as Laura managed to raise a total of €3,440 for the Irish Cancer Society, while Shane ended up with a sum of €2,700 for LauraLynn.

Lauren explained how she and Shane decided to undertake such a task, but it was something they knew they could achieve after having completed an ultramarathon last year.

“Last August we did an ultra-marathon in Longford, and I came third on the podium. After that, I said I’d love to do more than 60 kilometres, so I decided to do 100 this year, and Shane said he’d like to do more than 100 kilometres, so he completed 125.”

“We are two crazy people from Ballyfermot who just had a little chat one day and decided to go further than their ultra race last year, that’s basically it.”

The mission began at 6:20 am for Lauren, as she set off in the dark from Ballyfermot towards Dun Laoghaire, before heading back to Ballyfermot and continuing to Celbridge before turning back to Ballyfermot.

Shane began running at midnight on Friday and completed 61 km before Lauren joined in. The two kept each other company for most of the day, as Lauren ran alongside Shane “for the most part.”

At 6 pm that evening, Lauren crossed the finish line, which was set up outside the Assumption Church in Ballyfermot. She even received a mention in Mass for her mighty achievement.

The 100 km run took Lauren 10 hours and 48 minutes to complete, and since Saturday, she has put her feet up for some much-needed recovery and relaxation.

She told The Echo about the great support system she has around her who motivates her to achieve her goals, including her family and friends and everyone at the Trotters Running Club in Ballyfermot.

“The support from our friends, family and our club was second to none.”