FOR most people, tackling one marathon in a lifetime more than enough.
That’s not the case for Corbally man Aaron Foley who has just completed 12 marathons, or 506.4 kilometres, in 12 days in aid of Pieta House and the Jack and Jill Foundation.
The 29 year old is an accomplished marathon and ultra marathon runner but this was his biggest challenge to date. He trained hard over the past year for the event which saw him taking to the road every day between July 12 and last Saturday, July 23.
His friend and supporter, Naomi Keyes, spoke to The Limerick Post in the middle of his challenge, saying Aaron is “running each one in about four hours each day and, so far, he’s staying strong and has no injuries, so he’s very positive about finishing.”
Each day, Aaron ran from Corbally to Birdhill and back again to cover the distance. He ran on his own but had “great support” from friends and family, Naomi said.
“There were always people at Birdhill to make sure he was okay but he did it alone.”
Aaron said he had chosen the charities because “both of these charities hold great personal meaning for me and my family.
“Jack & Jill provided exceptional care for my two cousins Isobel and Tess, who sadly passed away at a young age, while Pieta House helped me through a challenging period in my own life. I am indebted to these two charities and wanted to find some way to give back.
“This challenge was only a fraction of the struggle that the families and individuals who are helped by these charities face on a daily basis. To be able to help raise the much needed donations and funds for these incredible charities is an honour.”
The determined runner took two weeks annual leave from his job to complete the task. He set a fundraising target of €5,000 and has already received over €7,200 in online donations.
Says Naomi, “whatever he can raise will be going to two very good causes, so it’s not capped at €5,000.”
Donations can be made up to September 1 here
