Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge looks to hit €1m for cancer services
Successful annual fundraiser
Now in its 10th year, raising over €790k for cancer services since it started nine years ago, the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge annual walk/run covers the three counties of Meath, Cavan and Westmeath. The launch walk of eight miles will take place on the Sunday April 4; this year’s launch walk will be a 5km virtual given the current pandemic situation. However, the organisers are hoping that they will be able to run the main walk on August 7, with the added virtual event also available to anyone abroad or who cannot travel.
Last year’s virtual challenge had a massive response and raised over €50k for Cancer, the walk now in its 10th year is looking to break the €1m mark. People can set off on 50 mile walk/run through Meath, Cavan and Westmeath within government guidelines in Aug and joined this year by the virtual challenge. The Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge is now the biggest charity 50 mile walking challenge in the world beating the one in the US by over 200 people in 2019. Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge has touched the hearts of the country, with all 32 counties represented, along with participants from all over the world.
Winning the Meath Business and Tourism award in 2018 for Best Not For Profit and Community Spirit Award, the challenge has grown year on year.
Of the 1057 who took part in 2019, 332 people made it to the finish line, with many completing the 50 miles for the first time. John McManus was the first man back and Julie McLoughlan the first woman. Event organisers are really looking forward to getting the challenge back into Moylagh.
The challenge is to complete 50 miles in under 20 hours. People can do as much or as little as they like, every mile makes a difference.
Gerry McDonnell on behalf of the organisers: “We would like to thank each and every walker/runner who took part last year in the virtual challenge last year from all corners of the country and abroad raising €50k in a pandemic year is amazing. We are really looking forward to having the mix of virtual and hopefully with government guidelines a live challenge in Meath, Westmeath and Cavan.
"We are already planning ahead and we are hoping to have the live event again this year. We are very proud of our local community of Moylagh and surrounding parishes and townlands, all through the route local people are always out in force to help and feed the walkers. The communities are looking forward to welcoming back participants back to the area, if restrictions are still in place, we will invite all to join the virtual challenge.”
100% of the money raised goes to Cancer services in Ireland. With 80% going to the Irish Cancer Society, 10% going to LARCC in Westmeath, and 10% going to Palliative Care. Most of the running costs are sponsored and donated, the committee also ask if any business wants to get involved to contact info@50milechallenge.com to sponsor or donate.
Businesses and groups: A call out to all businesses, the event has proven in the past to be a great team building and bonding exercise, more and more businesses are taking part. Participants and groups can register on the website www.50milechallenge.com
Johnny Guirke, chairman, said: “We would like to thank all the businesses that took over the years and invite them back again for 2021. The committee would also like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated to the running of the event or sponsored a piece of equipment used in the event. Without this, we would not be able to give 100% of the funds to these much-needed cancer services.”
The Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge returns on August 7, 2021 and registration is now open. More information on the website: www.50milechallenge.com