After months of planning and training as part of the #NeverGiveUp awareness and fundraising campaign for Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit, Oranmore man, Frank Byrnes has completed the 206km challenge and is ready to give his running shoes a break.
The Wicklow Way 50 Mile Ultramarathon was the final hurdle when Frank came in two hours earlier than his expected finishing time. Speaking about the 12 hours 57 minutes run through the Wicklow mountains, Frank described the experience as ‘life changing’, ‘‘This has been an incredible experience, tough both physically and psychologically, but I’m delighted.’
Frank launched the #NeverGiveUp challenge when he and his wife Marian began with the Dublin Marathon on Sunday 30th October. Two weeks later having been given the all clear by his physio, he undertook the Belleek Back to Back ie. two marathons in two days (84km ) on Saturday November 12 and Sunday November 13. The Wicklow Way Ultra was the end goal of the challenge and particularly sweet success following a great attempt in 2015, while Storm Desmond raged, the bitter cold got the better of Frank at the 42km mark when he was forced to stand down.
Not one to let it get the better of him, Frank returned this year. Seventy-eight participants from all over Ireland and France were dropped off by bus at Sheilstown Forest in south county Wicklow for a 7am start and instructed to run back over the mountains to Dublin City. The course had three official stops – Glenmalure at 11 miles; Glendalough at 20 miles and Crone Wood marked 37 miles with the finish line in Marley Park.
“The terrain was so varied, at times it was like climbing a never-ending stairs – but I’m of the firm belief that anything you put your mind to you can accomplish. At one stage I sat down on a rock, cold sweats coming through and no energy left, between the sugar hits and drops, I began to doubt myself at 23 miles, I dug deep, trekking up the side of Djouce Mountain and running down the other side.
“The discipline and practice of sport pushes you, builds your endurance, resilience and stamina for all other aspects of life and enables you to manage daily challenges more effectively. It is only in the last number of years that we repeatedly hear the important role exercise and sport plays in our sense of wellbeing in particular for people who may be prone to depression. I have to say after a big epsom salt bath was I glad to see my bed.”
Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit where Frank is also a volunteer, was set up by local people who were involved in coastal searches for casualties during the last year or more.
Mike Cummins of the Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit said ‘Frank’s endeavours have been an inspiration to many, his optimism and determination to finish the #NeverGiveUp challenge is really appreciated and all donations will assist us to purchase equipment and provide training for our voluntary service.’ Further details can be found on facebook.com/oranmoremareecoastalsearchunit
