Cork teacher’s gruelling four-day challenge for Special Olympics Ireland

A BANDON teacher is completing a gruelling four-day challenge to raise funds for Special Olympics Ireland, running four miles, every four hours, for four days.

Ronan McMahon, who is a PE teacher at Bandon Grammar School said he wanted to make use of his spare time to raise funds for his chosen charity as he noticed their charity fundraising day was April 24.

“I came up with the idea for this fundraiser after seeing the David Goggins challenge on YouTube which is four miles every four hours for 48 hours. However instead of 48 hours I decided to do four days!”

Ronan set up a Gofundme page and teachers from his school, who had contacts in the charity’s Munster branch, kitted him out in Special Olympic Ireland t-shirts for the challenge.

Ronan started running on Saturday, April 25, at 12am, completing six four mile runs a day at 12am, 4am, 8am 12pm, 4pm and 8pm.

The PE teacher said the hardest part is the sleep deprivation and the constant battle of getting up to go again.

“The hard part is when you’ve finished a day, the other one comes along four hours later.”

Ronan said his scariest moment was his 4am run on day two of the challenge.

“I started seeing blotches out of my left eye and got worried, I started on the dioralyte (rehydration salts) and thankfully it’s doing the job.”

The running feat has not been plain sailing for the accomplished athlete.

“My feet are bruised and blister and my bones are constantly aching but because people are showing so much interest and love for such a great charity it’s driving us all on.”

Ronan is hoping to raise €10,000 for Special Olympics Ireland thanks to his efforts and by Monday he was already halfway there.

The PE teacher said his sister Jenny has been a key part of his motivation to keep going and stay running.

“I would sincerely like to thank Mikey and Mary of Bfit gym and my sister Jenny who lives with me and has really helped me to stay focused not to mention washing my clothes and making food while I try to sleep between runs.”

You can donate to the cause at www.gofundme.com/4miles4hours4days.