Bannon to brave London Marathon in aid of Davina's Ark

 TAKING his bespoke 10k a day for 100 days running challenge to its most grandest of conclusions is Newry man Barry Bannon.

Mr Bannon, who for the past several years has taken to the streets to run 10k, or 6.2 miles a day for 100days, will this year end his annual challenge in style when he crosses the finishing line at the London Marathon.

Barry bolting through the streets of the national capital will of course be in aid of Newry charity Davina’s Ark which helped the local chef get back on his feet following problems with alcohol addiction.

Whilst having to trek the arduous 26.2 miles that comprise a marathon would be a tall enough order for anyone, let alone having this  preceded  by pacing over 620 miles in total as part of a bespoke running challenge , according to Barry he is looking forward to the event having put the Belfast Marathon already under his belt.

Born to run

“I am running the London marathon.” explained Barry.

“I am looking forward to it, but I am a bit nervous. Entry tickets are like hens teeth, unless you are lucky enough to get sponsorship. I could not believe it when I got the confirmation email that I actually got in.    

“I have never been in London before so it is going to be an all new experience. Having said this I am not going to pressure myself or annoy myself about times or whatever else.

“ I am just going to start and finish the race and enjoy everything in between. Just put one foot in front of the other. My wife and I have never been in London before so I will probably see a lot more of London then what my wife will.

“ She is only dropping me at the starting line and meeting me at the finishing line. I am going to stop and look around me and I am going to stop and take a few photos of the landmarks to take it all in.”

Whilst conventional running wisdom would be to decrease your overall training mileage in the weeks before you are set to run a marathon, given the fact that Barry is still in the midst of his 10k a day for 100 day challenge taking a break before he sets foot to tarmac in arguably the UK’s most high profile long-distance running event is not an option.

“I know from myself and my fellow runners from now until the marathon you are meant to be relaxing your miles and runs but I am not because I am still doing the challenge. The only thing I can do is slow down my pace but still cover the same 10kilometer distance.

“I also had to up my miles to get my body sort of used to a longer distances. Last week I did a run of 24 kilometres. The week before it was 16 so I was gladly building it up to make sure that my legs are able to go the full distance as opposed to be just doing the 10ks.”

Running Two Marathons

Whilst Barry may be able to take every running step at the London Marathon in his stride, his simultaneously athletic and altruistic endeavour is as always to give back to the charity which helped him overcome the marathon of addiction recovery.

“Two years ago I ran the Belfast Marathon. It was tough going but I had a great sense of achievement knowing why I am running for the likes of myself in recovery, speaking out and sharing my story for anyone who is suffering in silence. Training has been tough. Good days and bad days. However it has been the same these past five years. Getting up out of bed early for my run when the kids are in bed sleeping this is my time to give back to Davina's Ark.

“Some times you think God why did I do this again this year but when you get out its brilliant. Getting Feedback from people is unbelievable, it really is and it definitely spurs you on to do what you are doing. There are a lot of people who are messaging me that are absolute strangers and they just want to get some help for themselves. They ask questions about Davina's Ark and what services they can provide to get them out of addiction and into recovery. It is definitely very humbling to know that they are reaching out to me to get a bit of guidance and help with their lives. It is an unbelievable feeling.”