Leitrim runner completes mammoth “Lap of the Map” challenge of running the coastline of Ireland

Leitrim runner Liam Cox completed a remarkable 2,400km and consecutive 43 day journey running around the coastline of Ireland in aid of mental health charity North West Stop, last week

Starting on Saturday, 26 August, Liam began his run from Carrick-on-Shannon making his way to towards Strandhill in Sligo. He then continued clockwise around the map returning to his native Leitrim on Saturday.

The challenge involved running over 2,400km in total averaging over 55km per day and Liam went through four pairs of runners and lost 9kgs during his adventures.

Reflecting on his extraordinary experience, Liam said: “I’m genuinely in shock! I can’t believe this amazing experience has come to an end. I starting training for this event at the beginning of the year so it has been a long journey full of ups and downs but I’m over the moon to get it done. It really pushed me mentally and physically to my limits but I was never going to give in as raising funds for this cause was so important to me”

“Unfortunately our mental health services in Ireland are really lacking, so I believe North West STOP’s services are really important in our region and I am really passionate about doing my bit to help raise as much funds as we can!”

North West Stop have been providing a free and confidential counselling service for anyone in need of support for almost 20 years in the North West region. North West STOP is voluntary community-based organisation that works to prevent suicide by informing, educating and promoting positive mental health.

To date Liam has raised over €40,000 for the charity. If you would like to kindly donate you can do so via https://northweststop.enthuse.com/pf/lapofthemap

You can Liam’s adventures on Instagram @Liamcox93.

More coverage and photos of the story in this week's Leitrim Observer...