A few weeks into the lockdown, with all training cancelled, club member Shane Healy was getting restless. To alleviate the boredom and keep active, Shane instigated a weekend 5 km virtual race. The idea was simple – run 5 km within your 2 km radius, log it in Strava or let Shane know your time, fastest time wins. Clearly this was just kick people needed and they enthusiastically took up the challenge.
After a few weeks, Shane decided it was time for a change. With the club celebrating its 10 year anniversary, he hit on the idea of a virtual charity run. This time, the challenge was much bigger… run 3,650 km in 2 weeks – 1 km for every day of the club’s existence. He also set a goal of raising €2,000 for a charity close to his heart – the Palliative Care Department at Roscommon University Hospital.
The challenge started on Tuesday May 5th. By the end of the day, 51 club members had taken part and almost 400 km had been run. It was a great start and the fund raising was going well too. The day after was the same, and the day after that… Each day, Shane collated the figures aided and abetted by club Gear Officer, Catherine Hanly. By the end of the first week, club members had accumulated 2,983.12 km and the initial fund raising goal had been well and truly passed and stood at €4,115.
At the end of the seventh day, the target distance was in sight and was surpassed one day later. Club members had run 3,918.62 km but rather than sit back and relax, they just kept going… Maybe we could reach 5,000 km?
By the end of the final day, the total distance covered was a staggering 6,563.34 km and the final amount raised was €7,385 for a very worthy cause.
All-in-all, it was a fantastic achievement and great craic too. Huge credit has to go to Shane and Catherine for their hard work and encouragement over the last few weeks. But credit must also go to the club members who put in the legwork and to everyone who donated.
Thank you and enjoy the rest. Until Shane gets bored again…
