Kildare runners raising funds for mental health support

A team of Kildare runners is preparing to take on a gruelling 232km journey across Ireland in aid of Grow Mental Health.

The Monread Groovers will join six other teams for Trasna 2026, a relay challenge taking place on August 22, with runners travelling from the Spanish Arch in Galway to Dublin.

The team hopes to complete the epic distance within 24 hours, with runners taking turns to cover sections of the route before handing over to their teammates.

Team member Chloe Farrell said the challenge will push the group well outside their comfort zones and is urging people to donate here.

“On the 22nd of August, we will be running from the Spanish Arch in Galway to Clontarf in Dublin, with the aim of completing this incredible challenge within 24 hours,” she said.

Trasna, which means ‘across’ in Irish, is now in its second year and aims to bring teams together to travel from one side of the country to the other while raising funds for Grow Mental Health.

Seven teams of five people are taking part this year, collectively covering 232km along open roads and through the night.

For the Monread Groovers, the challenge is about much more than physical endurance.

“None of us have ever run a marathon, or anywhere close to that distance, so this is very much uncharted territory,” Chloe said.

“But we are taking on this challenge to show that, even through the darkest and hardest of times, you can keep going - especially when you have the support of others around you.”

The team has already surpassed its original fundraising target, raising €6,923 for Grow Mental Health against a goal of €5,000.

The runners are now hoping to build on that total ahead of the challenge and are appealing to the public to support the cause.

“Please support us on one of our biggest challenges yet,” the team said.

Grow Mental Health works to promote positive mental health and provide support to people experiencing difficulties in their lives.

The Monread Groovers believe the fundraising element gives the demanding run an added sense of purpose, with every kilometre helping to highlight the importance of community and support.

The runners will face a demanding combination of distance, weather, open roads and darkness as they make their way across the country.

While none of the team has previously tackled anything approaching marathon distance, they are relying on preparation, determination and, importantly, each other to get them to Dublin.

The Trasna challenge reflects the charity's message that people can continue moving forward through difficult periods when they have the right support around them.

For the Monread Groovers, that message will become very real as they attempt to keep running through the night and reach Clontarf within their 24-hour target.

Members of the public can support the team's fundraising campaign, with donations of all sizes welcomed.

The team has already exceeded its €5,000 target, but hopes to raise as much as possible before setting off from Galway on August 22.

Every donation will contribute towards Grow Mental Health's work supporting people and promoting positive mental health in communities across Ireland.

With 232km standing between the runners and the finish line, the Monread Groovers know they face one of their toughest challenges yet.

But with teamwork, determination and a strong cause behind them, they are ready to take on the journey from Galway to Dublin - one kilometre at a time.