Mile 2: What Challenges You, Changes You

Debra Ireland 21km & 10km
Glendalough 2nd March 2013
“What challenges you, changes you.”

Not even St Kevin himself could have wished for the superb mountain run in Glendalough, Co Wicklow on Saturday hosted by Debra Ireland. The charity event welcomed glorious sunshine and a gutsy crowd of 194 runners and walkers for the 21km and 87 for the 10km which raises funds for children with a rare and debilitating skin condition known as EB. The genetically inherited disorder which makes the skin as delicate as a butterfly’s wings, lacks collagen, and unable to stick itself, needs constant attention and considerably reduces life expectancy. “The €20 entry fee goes towards the cost of holding the event but all of the sponsorship money raised goes directly to the Charity providing a dedicated EB nurse as well as research and other assistance,” advised Kim Sargent of Debra Ireland. Minimum sponsorship for the event was €50.
A bus transferred us from the meeting point at Brockagh Resource Centre in Laragh to a point high up towards Turloch Hill. I knew from the outset that this course was going to require a whole new set of running skills. The first 1km of the 10km route was a sharp descent where we were plunged shin deep into wet peat before the ground became firmer and flatter. The all terrain route of ever changing scenery, steep declines, flat river trails, rocks, bogs, roads, bridges, ditches and numerous stiles was starting to put manners on us city folk, more accustomed to urban running on terra firma and following the back of the runner in front of you. “This course is a physical and mental workout,” commented Ray Darcy having completed the event for the third time in a very respectable time of 2:15:35 for the 21km. Bobbing and swerving left and right with small strides I was glad that my footwear was holding firm on every surface while the twinge of an old ankle injury early on was a stark reminder that this was no day to plan a personal best. “We love the terrain and the variety,” said local women Alida O’Rourke (46) and Gina Miltiadou (42) who are very familiar with the area and the conditions. The adventure continued through Glendalough Village before a steep climb of about 1km through a wooded trail, reducing most of us to a walk. And finally, a nice gentle downhill forest trail to the finish line where we were greeted by the aptly named charity activist Robin Hood and his band of merry volunteers. “Our daughter Alex died in 2008 aged 19 from EB which affects about 300 families in this country. I promised her I would raise as much money as I can so that other people do not have to suffer as much as she did,” says Robin who is the marketing manager for Debra Ireland.
An adequate goody bag, tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits were all available back at Brockagh Lodge which provided excellent supervised parking facilities and toilets. “We decided not to give everyone tee shirts to keep the costs down,” said Kim although many were proudly wearing the elegant blue and white butterfly logo from previous events.
This exciting and challenging event has the potential to really grow in the coming years and I am already looking forward to taking part in the 21km next year. The challenge over the next few days for me is going to be getting down the stairs. Ouch.