Moylagh launches sixth JFK Challenge

The Moylagh 50 Mile challenge, inspired by JFK’s military endurance test, is back for the sixth year in a row to raise vital funds to support people affected by cancer.
The event, which will take place on 10th June this year, will see up to 1,000 participants set off at 6am on a 50 miles route around counties Meath, Cavan and Westmeath. The challenge has raised over €362,000 to date for the Irish Cancer Society and LARCC Cancer Support Centre, to support the provision of vital services for cancer patients and their families.
With this year’s walk gaining support from all over the country and abroad it is gearing up to be the largest JFK 50 Mile Challenge in Europe and the biggest outside of America.
The challenge inherits its name from an endurance test first handed down by John F Kennedy to the military to cover 50 miles on foot within 20 hours. This year members of the Irish Defense Forces will be taking part in full military attire, and they are confident that they can complete the tough challenge.
Participants can walk as much or as little of the course as they want with many walking in memory of loved ones, or in support of those affected by cancer.
A large community spirit will be present along the route to support all the participants, with all stewarding, security, food and water stops on the route all provided by volunteers.
Gerry McDonnell of the 50 Mile Challenge committee said: “It is amazing, the momentum that the challenge has gained, registrations are coming in fast and we encourage everyone to participate, even if you only walk one mile, that one mile will make a difference. The walk is not only a way of raising much need funds in the fight against cancer it is also a personal discovery for anyone taking part. People are emotional when finishing and feel a sense of achievement.
“The challenge is unique, we have very low operating costs with almost everything donated, including water, food, t-shirts etc. which means more of the funds raised go directly to the charities.”
This year’s route will allow walkers to take in 50 miles of striking landscape starting in Moylagh (Dromone), Oldcastle, and going through counties Cavan and Westmeath with many awe inspiring sights along the way. Training groups have formed around the country as participants prepare to tackle the challenge head on in support of the two charities.
Brenda McCarthy, community fundraiser with the Irish Cancer Society said: “Funds raised through the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge have played a hugely important role in supporting people affected by cancer in Ireland. This year 40,000 people will hear the words ‘you have cancer’ and the Irish Cancer Society is there to support them on every step of that journey. Our Cancer Nurses on our freephone Cancer Nurseline and in our 13 Daffodli Centres around the country provide advice and support to cancer patients and their families, our Volunteer Driver Service provides free transport to patients undergoing chemotherapy, and our Night Nurses care for patients in their own home. None of this would be possible without the staunch support of all involved in this event.”
Bernie McHugh of LARCC said: “Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC is very grateful to have been the recipient of funds from the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge. These Funds have been used to create and furnish a new counselling room on the ground floor of our centre in Multyfarnham and also to furnish and add materials and supplies to the Children’s Play Therapy Room on the first floor. The funds have also been ploughed directly into service provision allowing LARCC to continue to provide free counselling and therapies to people in the surrounding area affected by cancer.”
Registration is now open, visit www.50milechallenge.com for more information or see 50milechallenge on Facebook.
Anyone who wants to donate food, water or any other supplies, can contact info@50milechallenge.com