Moylagh JFK 50 hit million mark
Last year saw those who took part in the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge breach the €1 million mark for money raised for charity since the local event’s inception 12 years ago.
In aid of The Irish Cancer Society, LARCC and Palliative Care, this year’s event takes place from 6am on June 10, and will see walkers and runners try to complete the 50 mile challenge in 20 hours or less, covering spectacular scenic routes through Meath, Cavan and Westmeath.
Challenge Committee member, Noel Connell, says the event now almost plans itself such is the level of dedication of the group members involved and the wealth of knowledge they’ve amassed over the years.
“We have a great committee, there’s no two ways about it. We get one over us and start planning the next, like clockwork. But more than that we’ve a great community in this area who support the event, and everyone pulls together to make it happen and cheer people on.”
Inspired by JFK 50 Mile first held in the spring of 1963, it was one of numerous such 50-mile events to take place around the US as part of President John F. Kennedy’s push to bring the country back to physical fitness.
The Moylagh challenge welcomes on average 650 walkers each year, even during the pandemic when the event went online, with more than a third of those completing the full 50-mile trek.
“It’s the participation that counts,” says Noel who has completed the walk eight times himself.
“The legs would be stiff the next morning alright, but you just get up and get out and get on with it and keep moving, that’s how I get over it anyhow. Once you keep active, you’re grand.”
He enthuses that it’s the “craic” on the walk that makes the miles “tick off quicker”.
“There’s a great atmosphere about the place, lots of food, friendly faces, plenty of encouragement. It’s a great event, and brilliant way of bringing people together for a good cause. Whether you can only walk five kilometres or do the full 50 miles, it is all the same.”
Then there are the “stories” explains Noel.
“You hear people explaining how their family has had maybe not one but two tragedies. Last year we waited until 2am for one man who was carrying his brother’s ashes, who told him he’d do the walk before he died. There are serious stories.”