Mark aims to run a marathon every day
By Maurice Garvey
AN EXPERIENCED long-distance runner is preparing to run a marathon every day, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homelessness.
Clondalkin man Mark Conlon (35), who ran his 150th marathon in Donabate two weeks ago, plans to begin the initiative on June 3 in Clontarf, and put pressure on the State to act.
Mark Conlon sleeping out homeless and (right) at his 150th marathon in Donabate two weeks ago
He has set up a donation page to raise funds for the Peter McVerry Trust.
Conlon has in the past, ran for charities, but he has a special interest in homelessness, seeing first-hand the challenges faced by people living rough through his job as a security guard on the Luas.
“Working with STT security on the Luas, I see our homeless people struggle every day when they leave their hostels, shop fronts, or temporary accommodation in the morning with nothing to do.”
As part of his initiative, Conlon plans to make a documentary, which will feature interviews with homeless people.
He continued: “I’m going to struggle every day with a marathon for as long as it takes to get my point across. My employer STT is 100 per cent behind me. I’ll be bluetoothing the distance covered each day to Ger Copeland, to prove I’m doing 26.2 miles a day.
“I have been training with Paul Stewart, from Pure Class in Clondalkin Village, Jim from Runzone in Rathgar, and Ger who runs East of Ireland Marathons.
“The plan is to then send the finished documentary to political people, and the Minister for Housing.”
Mark invites people to join him in Clontarf, and for homeless people to share their stories.
