Long-distance runner completes 33 marathons in 33 days for Peter McVerry Trust
By Maurice Garvey
AN EXPERIENCED long-distance runner from Clondalkin completed his 33rd marathon in 33 days recently for homelessness.
Mark Conlon (35), a big advocate for the homeless, was taking part in the challenge to raise funds for the Peter McVerry Trust.
Mark Conlon with Peter McVerry
In the process, Conlon said another goal was to overtake a previous Irish record of 32 marathons in a row, completed by Gerry Duffy and Ken Whitelaw.
“It was tough going,” Mark said of the challenge, much of which he carried out in the heatwave.
“I had a thigh strain at one stage, but physio Tomas Ronan from Ballyfermot got me back on the road.
“I started at around 9am every day, and ran everywhere, from my home in Clondalkin to Clontarf, Howth, Balbriggan, Kildare, you name it.”
The Luas security guard said he sees “first hand” the challenges faced by people living rough through his job in the city centre.
“I see homeless people struggle every day when they leave their hostels, shop fronts, or temporary accommodation in the morning with nothing to do.”
WATCH:
He thanked many people and small businesses for supporting him throughout the challenge.
“I was bluetoothing the distance covered each day to Ger Copeland, to prove I’m doing 26.2 miles a day. I want to thank Paul Stewart from Pure Class in Clondalkin Village, Jim Colfer from Runzone in Rathgar, Discount Supplements in Clondalkin, and Ger Copeland who runs East of Ireland Marathons.”
To make a donation, visit www.idonate.ie/marathonadayforpmvtrust
