Creeslough native to tackle 233km challenge over land and sea

A Creeslough man is taking on a gruelling endurance challenge in support of three organisations who played a big role during and after a tragedy that struck his hometown.

This Saturday, John McGee is will embark on a run, cycle and swim over a 233 km route in support of Critical - The Emergency Medical Response Charity - Donegal Mountain Rescue Team and Search And Rescue Dogs Association. All donations received will be distributed equally between them.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to raise funds and can be accessed here. 

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The challenge will involve a 3.4km swim from Ards to Downings, a 187km cycle to Errigal car park at Dunlewey and finishing with a 42.2km run that will start with climbing Errigal.

“I did a two discipline event before for two charities so when I planned to add swimming into this year I thought I’d nominate a charity for each section and donate it to the groups who helped in the Creeslough tragedy,” John said.

“I’ve been preparing for this year's event for the last seven months and doing about 20 hours training per week.

“Often on a Sunday I would do a five hour bike ride followed by a two to two and half hour run. Thankfully I have no injuries and very few niggles and I had a good training plan that is keeping things on track.”

John completed a charity cycle and run event two years ago to fundraise for the Donegal Hospice and for Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome research.

This Saturday he takes on his toughest challenge. He starts on Lucky Shell beach in Ards with a 3.4km swim to Downings.

The starting point was nominated in memory of the late Ben McFadden from Ards who helped John with fundraising in the past. Ben, who was a huge figure in the community, gave one of his legendary guided tours of his beloved townland and donated the proceeds to Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome research.

John will be joined by members of the Gartan Swimmers for support on the first leg of the event and will also see some of his friends lend their support on the cycle and run as well.

Once he completes the 187km cycle route, he begins a full marathon distance of 42.2km starting with a climb up the famed peak of Errigal and crosses the chain known as the Seven Sisters including Muckish before finishing the event in Creeslough.