'Quitting wasn’t an option': Irish man pushes through injury to complete marathon challenge

Brendán O’Neill is a self-professed passionate advocate for change, and has set his latest challenge: 32 marathons, 32 days, across all 32 counties in Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

This massive undertaking is in aid of Focus Ireland and Brendan is aiming to raise €32,000 to help end homelessness in Ireland. As of this Wednesday, he has raised over €8,000 and credits this to the strong support from local businesses and the communities “rallying behind him”. 

Donations can be made to Support Brendán’s Run 32 on iDonate.ie with all proceeds going directly to Focus Ireland - a charity that works every day to fight homelessness in Ireland and to support people looking for safe, permanent housing. 

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Speaking about the cause on his donation page, The Kerry native outlined his inspiration for the challenge: “Homelessness in Ireland has reached crisis levels. Children growing up in emergency accommodation. Families living out of cars. Men and women sleeping rough in every town and city across the country.” 

He added: “This isn’t distant. This isn’t rare. It’s happening on our doorsteps. Each day, this run will pass through a different county – one marathon at a time. Every step is for those who don’t have a finish line to run towards.” 

Community Fundraising Officer for Focus Ireland, Cian Dalton, has commended O'Neill's dedication: “Brendán’s commitment is truly inspiring. Every step he takes helps shine a light on the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness. We’re proud to stand with him.” 

O’Neill began his undertaking on Wednesday July 23, with his first marathon through County Antrim in Northern Ireland. 

So far, he has completed 14 of his marathon’s including all of Northern Ireland as well as in counties: Monaghan, Louth, Cavan, Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Longford. 

The full schedule of when he will be in remaining counties is outlined below.

On Sunday last, August 3, O’Neill received the news that he has a suspected stress fracture in his femur, as well as a  suspected stress fracture in his navicular bone. 

“When I got the news, my head was spinning, I felt embarrassed. Frustrated. Gutted. I didn’t know what to do all I knew is that quitting wasn’t an option.” 

To ensure he completes his challenge, Brendan has decided to finish out the remaining 22 marathons by cycling 50km a day rather than running the 42 km. 

He wrote: “So I made a decision, I searched up bike shops in Sligo, walked in, and dropped the fastest money I’ve ever spent in my life to make sure this journey doesn’t stop here. For the remainder of this challenge, I’ll be cycling it out 50km a day to avoid doing any more damage to the leg as there is less impact. (I haven’t cycled a bike in 5 years).” 

Speaking on his resilience to finish this challenge, Brendan said: “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like I’ve let people down. But this was never about ego or pride it was about fighting for something that matters. And that fight continues. I made a promise to finish what I started, and I will. One way or another.” 

On the money raised so far for Focus Ireland, he said: “We’ve already raised over €8,000 and counting and I hope we raise so much more. Because the people this cause is for, they don’t get to quit when things hurt. They have to find a way through. So, I will too.” 

Donations can be made to Brendán’s Run 32 at Support Brendán’s Run 32 on iDonate.ie with all the proceeds going to Focus Ireland.