Moylagh will take on cancer once again with the Moylagh 50 Mile Challenge which has now launched for 2016. The event, which will take place on the 11th of June, will see hundreds of participants set off at 6am on a fantastic walk around Counties Meath, Cavan and Westmeath. The challenge, which raises funds for the Irish Cancer Society and LARCC Cancer Support Centre.
The Moylagh 50 Mile Challenge inherits its name from an endurance test handed down by John F Kennedy to the military in the 1960s to cover 50 miles on foot within 20 hours. The first JFK 50 Miles Public Event was first held in 1963 as part of a number of similar 50 mile events held around the country as President Kennedy strived to bring the country back to peak physical fitness. The event finally made its way to Ireland four years ago and has being growing here ever since.
This year’s route will allow walkers to take in 50 miles of striking landscape incorporating towns and localities such as Oldcastle, Ballinacree, Fore and Dromone. Places of interest along the trek include Moylagh Castle, dating back to 1470, Loughcrew Cairns which features approximately 32 passage tombs which are 5000 years old, Fore abbey a Christian monastery settlement dating back to 640AD and a number of lakes such as Lough Sheelin, Lough Lane and Lough Bane, which runs between the border of two counties Meath and Westmeath. Also along the route is the magical Mullaghmeen Forest filled with tranquility to revitalize any tired minds and bodies.
Funds raised from the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge will go towards supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s provision of vital services for cancer patients and their families. Gerry McDonnell of the 50 Mile Challenge Committee said: “This is our 5th year running the 50 mile challenge, we are very proud to host and run this fantastic event. To date we have raised over €260k for cancer services in Ireland. Now a national event, this challenge is for all walks of life, young, old, fit and unfit. Walk as much or as little as you can – one, five, 30 or the whole 50 miles! With registrations flying in, we are gearing up for a bigger and better walk this year. We pride ourselves on our community spirit. We have large support from the different communities involved meaning walkers can pass through, supported and stewarded along the way with many homes opening their doors, providing refreshment and facilities. A 50 mile walk starts with one single step, so why not register today on 50milechallenge.com and join us to fight cancer.”
Registrations are now open for the Moylagh 50 Mile Challenge. Visit www.50milechallenge.com to register or for further information.
