Malcom McLoughlin will attempt a record for running the length of the country on 3rd July 2011.
The French-based Irishman will be running for a reason very close to his heart: his daughter Pearl.
Malcolm's non-profit organisation, Running for Pearl, is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for children and families affected by Autism. Since his daughter Pearl's diagnosis, Malcolm has chosen to push himself through endurance challenges in an effort to reach the hearts and minds of people and show them that Autism is not something to be afraid of.
This run will see Malcolm cover a total of 570 kilometres in less than six days and to put the task into perspective, it's the equivalent of two and a half marathons a day for a total of almost fourteen marathons back to back.
The challenge is aimed at benefiting Autism charities in Ireland and France as well as creating a trust to further Pearl's many therapies and education.
The public can help in many ways, first and foremost via donations. Little amounts certainly do add up and it is amazing how donations can help, from teaching a child their first word to writing their first letter.
Autistic people have achieved great things and can continue to do so given the right guidance. Spreading the word through the Internet, at your place of work, at the gym or at a run/football match is vital in keeping the momentum going.
Malcolm will need all the support he can get to make this record / run happen. Major sponsors are very welcome to join the epic adventure which will be updated through his site, twitter and facebook pages. The event itself will be tracked live and many runners have come on board to take on a chunk of the challenge themselves.
If you would like to get involved by please contact Malcom at mcloughlin.malcolm@gmail.com or by checking out www.runningforpearl.com.
Copyright 2009-2012 Richard Donovan / UltraRunning Ireland. All rights reserved.