Local men run non-stop for 48 hours in Gaza fund-raiser

Local men run non-stop for 48 hours in Gaza fund-raiser

13 August 2025

TWO local men have completed an endurance run to raise money for those suffering in Gaza.

The 100-mile silent run without food started on Friday, August 1, at 3.30pm and was completed exactly 48 hours later on Sunday afternoon. 

The historic event was initiated by Cahir Clancy, from Castlewellan, and Gerard McAnulty, from Leitrim, to replicate the harrowing conditions faced by men, women and children in Gaza on a daily basis, at a critical moment as they face stage 5 starvation.

The two men refrained from eating over the duration of the 48 hours, allowing themselves only water. 

The money raised will be going to provide emergency food and water to families in Gaza.

Cahir said they ran 100 miles in silence, without food, and outside to “mirror — in the smallest way — the suffering faced by so many in Gaza”.

“It wasn’t about politics – it was about empathy, dignity and humanity. We finished sore, hungry and exhausted, but free — and that contrast says everything,” he said.

Gerard said the challenge “pushed us beyond our limits, but it was nothing compared to what families in Gaza face every day”.

“We wanted to use our bodies to speak where words can’t — to show solidarity, raise awareness, and remind people that compassion demands action,” he said.

The next street march for Gaza in Newcastle is due to take place on Saturday, August 23, at 1pm.