A Castlewellan Murlough AC runner has set her sights on a twelve marathon “epic challenge” to support Air Ambulance NI.
The challenge will see Murlough AC runner Laura Brennan complete a marathon every month through 2021 while raising funds for the charity Air Ambulance NI writes Laura Barr.
Laura Brennan who is a passionate runner said she had been thinking about a new challenge which would take her through 2021 while raising funds for her chosen charity.
The married mother-of-four explained that she wanted to do something which would involve her love for running and helping a charity all at the same time.
‘Laura’s 12 Marathons in 12 Months for 2021’ challenge will see her take on running the 26miles in one go throughout the local area each month.
She explained: “I initially thought about doing a 5k-a-day challenge or the Mill Hill Mile Challenge, but I felt I needed something to push me forward and take on something that was epic!”
Laura has previously completed the London marathon in April 2019 and had signed up for several marathons in 2020, but due to restrictions these were all postponed.
“I had also signed up for the Belfast 24-hour run last June but it didn’t go ahead either and I felt really disappointed.
“This, however, has spurred me on to do the marathon a month challenge for 2021.”
So far, Laura has completed two of the twelve marathons, one on 16 January, and most recently, her 35th birthday last Thursday (11 February).
“I hope to complete the March marathon on St Patrick’s Day, but it does really depend on the weather conditions of course.
“I kept the running locations for the two I have completed really local, running in Castlewellan and Newcastle but maybe when the restrictions lift, I can go to other locations.
“We are so lucky here however, living so close to many beautiful spots for running” she added.
Laura is hopeful that some of Murlough AC runners will join her on the challenge throughout the year and offer their support.
“They are a very supportive running club and have been really encouraging in everything I have completed throughout the years.
“Murlough AC just completed a January challenge were as a club we ran and walked the same distance as the length of the world, but I do hope to get some of the runners out with me in March once everyone has recovered.”
Speaking about her reason for picking Air Ambulance NI, Laura said: “I feel the charity does incredible work that is so vital and life-changing to all of us.
“It costs £2million per year to run the service and I just want to do my bit.”
Anyone who would like to donate to Laura’s 12-month challenge can do so online at her JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/a-marathon-a-month-2021
