A GROUP of 22 swimmers taking part in the first phase of a record-breaking all-Ireland triathlon called the Endurance Challenge have arrived at St Michael’s Rowing Club.
Some 20 swimmers from Limerick Masters Swimming Club joined cousins James Colbert and Sean Buckley for the final section of a 120-kilometre swim along the River Shannon, which the Corkmen completed over the course of six days.
The challenge aims to raise €500,000 for cancer research, and will see the participants cycle through every county in Ireland and run four consecutive marathons – a record-breaking 2068 kilometres in 22 days.
The Endurance Challenge is being held in memory of Sean’s father, John Buckley, who passed away from cancer last year.
Sean commented: “To have witnessed personally the pain and suffering that a cancer patient endures during treatment made me realise that any pain I would endure during the Endurance Challenge would pale in comparison. We are pleading to everyone to come out and take part in a run or cycle or to sponsor our efforts.”
James said: “We have been training hard for the past 18 months and really hope people will get behind our efforts. It is only when cancer touches someone close to you that all your trust and hope goes into treatments, which stem from cancer research.”
A social reception in The Strand Hotel followed the first leg of the challenge on Friday; members of the charity Breakthrough Cancer Research, the swimmers and their families, and Limerick businesses were among those in attendance.
For information about taking part or donating, go to www.endurancechallenge.ie.
