WHILE some are ready to take an icy plunge, don their running shoes, or jump in the saddle to raise funds for local charity, one Ballycassidy man is currently in training for an epic undertaking of all three sports over an entire month this summer.
In July, Sean Conway will complete a staggering 30 triathlons in 30 days at various scenic locations across Fermanagh. The first event of its kind ever to take place in Ireland, Sean has been in training since Christmas, and has already started his fundraising drive, with all proceeds going towards supporting two worthy local causes, Ellie’s Retreat and the ARC Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown.
Taking place right across Fermanagh, with the swimming taking place in the Erne, Sean will undertaking what is the equivalent of five-and-a-half “Iron Man” triathlons. The plan sounds even more daunting when he breaks down the numbers.
“A triathlon involves a 750m swim, a 20km cycle, and a 5k run,” explained Sean. “It’s achievable on a daily basis, so just times that by 30 and that’s what I’ll be doing. It works out at 22-and-a-half kilometres swimming, 600km cycling, and 150km running.”
Sean, who is himself a triathlon trainer, will be taking part in each of the 30 events, but he’ll have no shortage of support with over 270 people already expressing an interesting in joining him for at least one triathlon.
“I wanted to raise awareness of the sport in the town and county and highlight and showcase the county, as well as the charities and the businesses who are supporting it,” he said.
Overall, it’s most about getting traffic to their [Ellie’s Retreat and the ARC Centre’s] sites and getting money donated to them than anything else.”
With sponsorship from big companies such as Zone3 and Adidas already secured, Sean has also received support from local businesses, as well as getting a good start to his fundraising with £560 already donated to his Just Giving page. The aim is to raise £5,000 for the two charities.
For more information on either taking part in a triathlon or donating to the event, visit Sean’s Facebook page, Fear the Turtle Triathlon Coaching.
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