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Kev’s ultra challenge for Down Syndrome Kerry
RUN FOR CHARITY: Ultra-Runner and charity fundraiser Kevin Leahy of the Black Sheep Hostel, Killarney will run 1000km in aid of Down Syndrome Kerry. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan
Ultra-Runner and charity fundraiser Kevin Leahy of the Black Sheep Hostel, Killarney, has set an arduous challenge to run 1000kms, stretching from the wilds of the Iveragh Peninsula to the frozen ice of Yukon Canada, in aid of Down Syndrome Kerry (DSK).
Kevin hopes to raise €10,000 for DSK which is a charity very close to his heart as his niece Emilie was born with the condition.
The first of Kevin’s three runs begins at sunrise on Saturday July 11, at the Bronze Age Wedge Tomb at Coomakista, Derrynane.
Kevin is also taking the honours to be the first ultra-runner to set the time of a new running challenge - ‘Ancient Warriors Trail’ a journey of endurance and self-discovery along the Iveragh Peninsula, Kerry Way, Cnoc na dTobar and MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
120km of trails, completing this run with a customary “bang on the door for a Pint at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Gap of Dunloe that night.”
His second race is the spectacular annual Kerry Way Ultra - a 200km, non-stop endurance race on September 6 and 7, which traverses the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Iveragh Peninsula, along ancient trails and coastal cliffs.
Kevin is no stranger to harsh conditions; last year inspired by the greatest Kerry adventurer - Arctic explorer, Tom Crean - Kevin made world headlines by winning the famous Yukon 160km Arctic Ultramarathon!
His third and most daunting challenge in 2021 is the mammoth Yukon Arctic 700km Ultramarathon - a gruelling 10 day race of physical and mental adversity, with temperatures as low as -30°.
“This time I will be setting my sights on the mammoth Yukon Arctic 700km ultramarathon. To date, this will be by far my biggest running endeavour, requiring months of training, along with a tank load of mental and physical grit to get me across that frosty finish line. I hope that during this challenge, adversity will be my greatest teacher. A sincere thank you in advance for your support,” Kevin said.
To donate to Kevin’s amazing challenge via the following link: www.give.everydayhero.com: kevs-1000km-adversity-run-for-down-syndrome-kerry.
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