Mark’s Italian 10-in-10 ultra-marathon challenge

A CLONDALKIN man will embark on ten marathons in ten days in Italy next month, to raise funds for the children’s hospitals in Crumlin, Tallaght, Temple Street and Connolly.

Mark Conlon, 40, who served ten years in the Irish Army and trains with the Clondalkin Flyers Running Club, is an experienced long-distance runner who has raised funds for many good causes.

Last year, Mark ran 106kms in one day – a two-and-a-half marathon distance – and raised over €5,000 for Eoghan Gorman, a local young man who was paralysed in a mountain-biking accident.

In 2021, he ran continuously for 24 hours in Corkagh Park to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House, which accommodates and supports the families of seriously ill children.

For his latest challenge, Mark will take on the Orta 10-in-10 ultra-marathon at Lake Orta in Italy from August 5 to August 14 which will see him running a marathon every day for ten days.

In doing so, he’s hoping to raise money for all of Children’s Health Ireland’s Dublin hospitals, as he himself spent time in Crumlin children’s hospital as a child and is keen to give back.

Training in advance of the impressive feat is currently well under way, and Mark said he’s always eager to embark on gruelling challenges – especially for a good cause.

“You can train for it, but it’s all about how your body reacts on the day, and mentally, you’re always thinking about running again the next day so you can never really enjoy it,” he told The Echo.

“The staff from the hospitals are really delighted, they can’t believe the challenge and they think it will catch people’s attention.”

The money raised will be used for life-saving equipment and to help the hospitals to look after the families of seriously ill children.

Explaining the rationale behind his latest challenge, Mark said: “For me, I love pushing myself to the limit.

“I always look for the more extreme things and I’m coming up to having run 200 official marathons, and I also just want to help people.

“I’ve always wanted to do something for kids and get all of the hospitals in, in one go.”

Mark is appealing to members of the public to donate to his fundraiser for Children’s Health Ireland, and to businesses to consider sponsoring his impressive challenge.

To donate, click HERE, and Mark can be contacted about potential sponsorship opportunities via email at markconlon21@hotmail.com