Jean Murtagh is no stranger to the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon. In the early years, Jean ran 10 of the events as well as being a seasoned marathon runner.  Over the years Jean has dipped in and out and taken part in many of our events, always keen to stay involved in one of the biggest days out of the year and show support to her charity, the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation. 

Jean was ready to take part again this May when a series of events knocked out all her plans. Sadly, Jean lost her father in law Sonny Murtagh a number of months ago and then her father Adrian Byrne passed in early March. When the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon was postponed, Jean sought new ways to keep active and help maintain her sanity during the lockdown. She also wanted a way to honour both her father and father in law, both of whom were avid walkers.  

Jean decided on 30th May that she would complete just over FOUR MINI MARATHONS – A FULL MARATHON (26.2 miles/42.1km) all whilst pushing a vintage pram up and down the 200m length of her cul de sac in front of her home in Leixlip.  She set herself a target of 9 hours for her challenge and set off at 7am, joined by many friends and family along the way.  In total, it took Jean a phenomenal 8 hours and 53 minutes to complete the distance in 105 round trips – an amazing achievement! 

This journey raised in an incredible €5,000 for her charity and will help the world’s most disadvantaged children and communities, who need support now more than ever due to Covid 19. 

“In times of uncertainty the pressures of poverty and financial struggle increase, resulting in a heightened risk of violence and hardship against those most vulnerable. Every single one of us are trying to pave our own way through these uncertain times, whether it be grief, isolation, financial worries, or simply missing a loved one. #Stepbystep, we’re in this together.” 

Jean, May 2020 

Jean’s #Powerof10 challenge  

Jean has now set herself a new challenge for our #Powerof10. Not content to do 10k once, Jean will walk 10k every day from 1st to the 10th October, once again circling the cul de sac in front of her home with the vintage pram. 

Jean is inviting you to take part in supporting this incredible charity. She hopes to encourage 100 women to join her, with each person committing to raising 100 euro or more for the cause.  If you wish to get involved, please chose the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation when you set up your fundraising page here 

We would love to hear about the fun ways you’re planning to fundraise for your chosen charity.

Email us your story today at info@vhiwomensminimarathon.ie