The Challenge...32 Marathons, 32 Counties, 32 Days
Gerry and Ken's Blog...

Some photos, comments and updates from each day's marathon are up on our Facebook page! Check it out here...

Marathon 26 - Fermanagh

It has been said before in this blog that each day brings amazing stories that will yield lifetime memories not just for Ken, myself and for our wonderful crew. Today dear reader was no exception. If we are going on a little about it, please allow us to indulge, for the experiences we have shared with the 800 or so friends we have made along this journey are very special.

Eight months ago, neither Jacinta O’Neill (Gerry’s other half) or Carly Ferguson (crew member) had EVER run before in their lives. Today both of these ladies ran their first FULL marathon and both crossed the finish line with toothpaste endorsing smiles. Well done to both these champion ladies.

Castle Archdale was today’s venue - a lakeshore tree-lined route just a few short miles from Enniskillen. It was once home to an RAF Airbase that now houses a museum steeped with stories of soldiers who fought and died in the Second World War. From here aircraft were allowed to take off and travel over Irish Airspace in Donegal, in secret, following a secret pact with the Irish Government.

The weather promised showers today that thankfully never materialised. Our four loop circuit was primarily run on trail offering some recovery for those aching lower leg muscles. We had a super turnout of twenty one runners some running 13.1 or 26.2 miles for the first time and also a few vets one of whom has done the Mizen to Malin run. Among them were brother and sister duo, Gareth and Catherine, who both completed their first half-marathons today.

Ken and I ran the full 26.2 miles together. It was a hard day for both of us; we both diagnosed this as a result of a delay in eating our main meal yesterday. You would think we would know better!! We were both relieved to cross the finish line in 4 hours and seven minutes with another box ticked.

Our visit to the six counties has ended and with it an amazing feeling of gratitude to Colin Telford, Johnny Davis and Carly Ferguson for organising the logistics for our all too brief visit. We count them now as friends. In addition the welcome we have received at every location from the people of Northern Ireland will be treasured for many years to come.

Onwards to Monaghan for our final six marathons...

< Back to main Blog page >