The Challenge - 32 Marathons 32 Counties 32 Days

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions;

Q. What is the start date for the challenge?
A. Our first marathon will be run in Longford on Friday 2nd July 2010. From there we will travel the length and breath of the country in the following order.
(Click on timetable to enlarge)


Q. What time will each race start at?
A. 10 am each morning.

Q. How much do I have to raise in order to take part?
Raise as much as you can, every cent/penny counts!

Q. What happens when I enter on-line?
A.Both full and half marathon runners pay a deposit of €25/£25 when registering. This amount will form part of the entire sum you raise.

Q. When do I have to raise the money by?
A. We would ask that the balance be raised one month before your marathon / half marathon date.

Q. Is there a lower age limit for the event?
A. Yes, the minimum age for the event is 18 years on 1st January 2010.

Q. I have never run before. Would I be able to complete a full or half marathon?
A. Only you can decide that. We will, however, provide you with detailed training plans to get you to the start line in top condition. The rest is up to you!

Q. Should I get medical advice first?
A. Yes, you should inform your doctor of your decision to run.

Q. What should I do if I am ill or injured before the race?
A. You must be fit and well to run a marathon. If you are in any doubt about your ability to participate or to finish, you must withdraw.

Q. Can I transfer my entry if I can't run?
A. No, unfortunately this cannot be facilitated.

Q. What is the closing date for signing up to the event?
A. The sooner you sign up the better as, with a restricted number of places available per county, places will fill fast.

Q. Are the routes of each marathon chosen yet?
A. The routes are being compiled by our “Route Co-Ordinator” Brian Boyle. Brian is busy travelling the length and breath of the country choosing and measuring each and every course. We would hope to have full details of all 32 routes over the coming months.

Q. Can my family/friends come and support me along the way?
A. Of course they can, the more the merrier!

Q. What should I wear in the race?
A. Wear runners, shorts and a singlet that you have worn before. Do not wear new clothes on race day.

Q. Can my family and friends donate on-line?
A. Yes, you can create your personal fundraising page on the www.mycharity.ie/32marathonchallenge website. Just e-mail your friends with the link to the page and they can donate by credit or debit card. The money goes securely from the mycharity.ie account to our designated bank account. It couldn't be easier or safer for both you and the charities.

Q. Will there be food and water along the course? How often?
A. Yes, we will have food/water stations at regular intervals. Water, bananas and energy gels will be available.

Q. What time do I need to check in at?
A. We ask that you check in from 8am onwards on the day of the event. Exact details will be sent to you well in advance of race day.

Q. Will the courses be well marked?
A. Yes, we will have clearly marked signs on each corner directing you where to go. There will also be a lead car and a car/bike at the rear of the race.

Q. Will the run be timed?
A. Yes, we will have official timing at each event.

Q. Will the routes be an official 26.2 miles?
A. Yes of course!

Q. Will I get a finishers medal / tee-shirt?
A. Yes, both.

Q. Can I switch the county I want to run in?
A. No. Once you have chosen your county, we would like you to stay with that county.

Q. Can I suggest friends/family to volunteer on the day?
A. Yes, please. We’ll be looking for help/volunteers in each county. We would ask anyone interested in helping out on the day to drop us an e-mail (via contact tab on website). We'll keep your number and give you a call closer to the time.

Q. Will the roads be closed?
A. Whilst we are hoping to enlist garda/civil defence assistance, it is not anticipated that roads will be closed. Over the course of the 32 marathons we expect to run over a mixture of road, trail and gravel.

Q. Where can I change on the day? Will my clothes be safe and available at the finish?
A. We recommend that you bring a bag for carrying items you will need after you have finished. We highly recommend you bring warm clothing for wear immediately after you cross the finish line. Your bag will be waiting for you after you finish the race.

Q. What sort of training do I need to do? When should I start training?
A. See our training plans section of the website.

Q. What race day etiquette should I adhere to?
A. Wear your race (bib) number on the front. Don't allow friends who aren't registered in the event to run alongside you. When you run away from a drink station don't just drop a water bottle on the road where another runner could trip it on, you will see bins on the roadside, please use them.

Always take note of instructions given to you by marshals throughout the race. Although you might not always agree with them they are there to help and advise and to look after your safety. Say thanks to them whenever you can! They will be volunteers who have given their time for your benefit.