Brian’s marathon charity run from Cork to Belfast in nine days

Brian’s marathon charity run from Cork to Belfast in nine days

12 August 2015

A CASTLEWELLAN man is hoping to prove the power of mind over matter when he sets off this morning on an epic run from Cork to Belfast.

Restaurateur Brian McGeown will test his mettle by aiming to complete the equivalent of nine-and-a-half marathons in nine days. 

Recognising that it will take a tough mindset to complete the endurance test, 36 year-old Brian is also confident he will be spurred on by the inspiration behind his challenge.

For he has recently been so touched by the difficulties overcome by people in his life, including two young children, that he is hoping to raise at least £5,000 for charities designed to help them — The 

Children’s Heartbeat Trust, The Down’s Syndrome Association and Mind Your Mate and Yourself, which works to reduce the risk of suicide in the community.

Brian explains that one of his main inspirations is a four year-old boy called Harry Farrell who has beaten the odds to survive major heart sugary since he was born with a congenital heart defect.

“Harry is my business partner’s nephew and because of a congenital heart condition he has had open heart surgery three or four times in his first few years, but he shows no fear,” he explained.

“His resilience is amazing and he is such a beautiful lively child. I aim to finish my run on his fifth birthday so we can have a big party.

“The Children’s Heartbeat Trust provide financial, physical, emotional support for the parents and 

families of children like Harry; they are a small charity so they rely on this type of support to be on hand to help people.

“Another friend also recently had a premature baby with Down’s Syndrome and there is nothing I can do to help them personally but I can do this run.”

Brian said a recent spike in suicide rates, particularly affecting the young, in his home area meant he was also keen to support MYMY.

“The reason for taking on the challenge is that sometimes you feel helpless to people close to you, no matter how sympathetic you are of their situation,” he said.

“By doing a crazy run, hopefully I can raise some money and more importantly awareness of what these three amazing local charities do on a daily basis. 

“Last year I ran from Belfast to Dublin, so I thought I would try something harder this time round.”

Although he is nervous about the long road ahead, Brian hopes he will maintain his mental focus, which he believes is as important as his physical fitness.

“I know I can do marathons and I have run eight or nine competitive marathons before, including four in four days last year for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust, but this is more about mental preparation and continuing with the distance.

“My training plan had included doing the Belfast marathon followed by two more in June and July but I cracked a bone in my foot so I have only been back training for the last six or seven weeks.”

Planning on deep tissue massages every evening, with ice baths and craniosacral therapy, he hopes this will be enough to keep him going day after day.

“At least I know the pain I will have is temporary, people often have to deal with a lot worse,” he said.

Brian is hoping to cross the finish line, having completed 249 miles across 11 counties, in Belfast on August 20.

Anyone who would like to support him in his challenge is asked to consider sponsoring him via his webpage http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/brianmcgeown1crazyrun