'Derry Four' to run in Palestine marathon

Four Derry men will take part in a marathon in Palestine this weekend to raise money for medical aid.

Ryan Moore, Mark Mullan, Dean Power and Liam McConway will take part in the Right to Movement Palestine Marathon.

Ryan, 31 (pictured above), originally from Hatmore Park but now living in Belfast, has been campaigning for Palestine for a number of years. 

“Since the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, in 2008, Operation Cast Lead, I have been a pro-active supporter of the Palestinian plight, and a member of my local PSC (Palestine Solidarity Campaign),” he said.

“I won the 'Race for Gaza' in Belfast last year and I have always nailed my colours to my chest, literally, and always wear a vest emblazoned with the Palestine flag whilst running.”

Ryan said he was first approached about running at the Palestine Marathon after a race in Glasgow two years ago by someone who was impressed by his running vest. 

“The person asked me where I got my vest and upon finding out I was, clearly, a big Palestinian supporter he informed me there was now a marathon in Palestine in the West Bank. 

“As someone who has always been a firm supporter of the Palestinian people, and a keen runner, it was the perfect combination; a race, all 26.2 miles of it, in Palestine.

“I would have done it last year, but I was busy getting married. However, myself and my best man David, an old university friend, promised ourselves we would do it this year.

Ryan continued: “First and foremost I am doing it to show support and solidarity for the oppressed Palestinian people.

“Secondly, I am doing it to raise money for Medical Aid Palestine (MAP)  - a brilliant charity who work for the health and dignity of the Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees, providing health and medical care to those affected by conflict, displacement and occupation. 

“This situation is most evident now after the aerial bombardment of the population of Gaza last summer, which effectively reduced Gaza to ruins.

“Medical Aid Palestine is striving to improve the quality of Palestinian life and we want to do our small bit to help them out.”

Ryan said the marathon addresses the restriction of movement the Palestinians face.

“The race, which is titled 'Right to Movement Palestine Marathon' is all about emphasising the fact that everyone has the right to freedom of movement and I fully intend to embrace this alongside our Palestinian friends, free from fears of security issues.

“It certainly is a unique race.

“It is a showcase of the different sides of Palestinian life; the race starts and finishes at the Church of Nativity, considered to be the oldest continuously operating Christian church in the world.

“We will run next to the so-called Separation Wall, or as Palestinians refer to it as, the Apartheid Wall, which separates parts of Palestine from other Palestinians, before going through two different refugee camps; Al Ayda Camp and Ad Dheisheh, on the outskirts of Bethlehem.”

Ryan has urged the people of Derry to show their support for the challenge the local men are about to undertake. 

“Anyone who wishes to assist or show their support can go to our justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/running-for-palestine and donate any amount they can and leave a message of support. “