By Laura Lyne

A MARATHON runner has managed to break records and finish a mammoth 20-week marathon challenge in only 10 weeks, all in support of Pieta House.

Mark Conlon, from Bawnogue, began the challenge back in June with the Donadea 50k Ultra Marathon and had given himself 20 weeks to complete the 20 marathons.

During his journey, Mark became the youngest man to complete his 100th and 101st marathon in the same day and managed to complete the 10 marathons in five days, another record.

The 32-year-old completed the daunting task last week and now aims to set his sights on breaking more records and is already training to compete in a 100-mile, 24-hour marathon in Belfast next year.

Speaking to The Echo, he said: “I never thought that I could finish it within 10 weeks. I’m still pretty injured with aches and pains in my feet and my knees, but the aim is to compete in a lot more marathons and aim to reach the 500 marathons record.

“The longest was the 100k. I train every day in a gym in Clondalkin, but the marathons come around so quickly that I just have to watch out for injuries.

“Now that I’ve finished, I’d really like to keep the fundraising going for Pieta House. The fundraising page is still going and it will keep going until the 20 weeks are up. There’s still eight weeks left on the fundraising page, and overall I have raised almost €1,000 for Pieta House.”

Mark is a member of the Dublin Bay Running Club and had previously been a member of the army for 10 years and wanted to support Pieta House as he had “seen a lot of people with depression”.

A MyCharity page in support of Mark’s challenge for Pieta House can be found at www.mycharity.

Latest News: Mother gets €20 allowance per week for 5hr school run

Latest News: N7 flyover fury on lack of ‘screening’

Latest News: Gardaí stand accused by residents of ‘copping out’… 

Latest News: Park tunnel may ease traffic in Lucan, Clondalkin and Ballyfermot

Competition: Win a Claire’s Accessories goodie bag – click here