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 22 - Tyrone

Over the years both Ken and I have been blessed to have run in memorable loations. Today was truly incredible. For this we must thank Lord Abercorne for it is he who granted us permission to run within the stunnning vista that is Baronscourt Estate just outside Newtownstewart in the beautiful countryside that Co Tyrone has to offer.

Baronscourt, home to the very rare breed of Highland Cattle offered us a magical wonderland full of never ending trails. I have no doubt the images we captured will provide readers with some amazing images on FaceBook of the fantastic scenery we immersed ourselves in today. (photos up shortly)

Oh yeah and there is the important matter of 26.2 miles of running.

After yesterdays really gruelling effort both Ken and I started off nervously today, unsure of how our bodies would adopt to the twenty second consecutive day of running this distance. For the first five miles we were joined by one of Tyrones most loved sons, Peter Canavan. It was obvious by observing how our local runners enjoyed running with their hero, just how high in esteem this two time All-Ireland Winner is held. He was scarcely out of breath as we bid him farewell. Peter, a big thank you for your time and effort.

I (GD) ran a 2 hours 5 minutes first thirteen miles, a steady pace, not too fast, just nice and comfortable. At the half way point I got a great surge of energy and had to really hold myself back when I noticed I had increased the pace to seven and a half minute miles, over ninety seconds faster that what we should be doing. The run had a few large drags but the stunning countryside kept us entertained throughout. I eventually crossed the line in four hours and just one minute, my quickest of all the marathons, a brilliant feeling.

Ken, ever mindful of previous travails, is now conserving his energy as he continues rebuilding towards full fitness. He is confident he is making huge strides in this direction and has plenty still left in the tank. One short physio stop to stretch out the ankle which required attention but he was soon on the move again, crossing the line in 4 hours 21 minutes.

Special mention to quite a few today. Firstly to Adrian Murphy, a Tyrone man living in Mullingar who realised five miles into his half marathon that he went to school with the guy who happened to be running beside him, Martin O'Neill. Also to Teresa McGinn, our Kilkenny physio, whose sons Jack and Liam and their cousin Michael ran over six miles with Ken, despite their youth. Great lads who proudly displayed their Kilkenny roots by way of the county jerseys. Thanks also to the O'Brien gang from Mullingar who arrived, unknown to us. Finally to Sean and Daphne who walked 13.1 miles and are now proudly displaying the 32 Marathon Challenge medals.

To everyone today, a big well done. We are writing this in a road side restaurant en route to Belfast. Antrim awaits...

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