School friends, Colm Roche and Padraig Hilliard have both been very active all their young lives, playing a wide range of sports for their local clubs in Castleisland and Currow respectively.
When lock-down hit and the sports disappeared under the restrictions, the friends found they had a gap to fill so they decided to take up road running.
It started off as just casual jogs around the Castleisland area to pass the time.
Belfast Half Marathon
Towards the end of March, both Padraig and Colm had racked up a huge number of kilometres and they decided to enter the Belfast Half Marathon – which was a virtual event.
It took place over the May bank holiday weekend and, after they had clocked up the kilometres around Castleisland and completed the half marathon, they were determined to tackle and train for a full marathon as soon as possible.
Belfast City Marathon Preparations
They decided to enter this autumn’s Belfast City Marathon and are now putting in the final preparations before heading north to the starting line on this Sunday, October 3rd.
“While deciding to enter the race we thought it would be good to run for a charity,” said the school, friends who are now also preparing to embark on their journey through third level education.
Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland
“After taking time looking at many great charities, we decided to fund-raise for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland.
“We thought this was a great cause as they offer mental health awareness and suicide prevention programmes,” they agreed.
GoFundMe Link
People interested in donating and helping these considerate young men, Colm and Pádraig to raise as much money as possible for a great cause, can donate using the GoFundMe link here: https://gofund.me/3af4fec6
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