Cobh resident & Cork Marathon Runner takes on “The 12 Marathons of Christmas” for Charity

From the 13th to 24th December, Cobh resident and marathon runner Joanne Fearon will run 12 marathons (42.2Km each day) to raise funds for the neonatal ward of Cork University Maternity Hospital.   Joanne will also be attempting to set a new Guinness World Record, by running a marathon on a treadmill every day for 12 days in Mahers Sports, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Catherine Clancy, and Ambassador for the Cork City Marathon 2014, commented on the launch of Joanne’s 12 marathons of Christmas:

“I am delighted to officially launch Joanne Fearon’s incredible 12 Marathons in 12 Days challenge, during which she is hoping to raise much needed funds for Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) as well as attempting to set a new Guinness World Record,” said Lord Mayor of Cork, Catherine Clancy.

Joanne, who has completed 59 marathons to date, is encouraging the people of Cork to support this worthy cause by donating online at www.mycharity.ie/event12marathons. She welcomes visitors and supporters to visit her instore at Mahers, and sign a witness book which is a requirement for the world record attempt.

“I am really looking forward to the exciting challenge ahead. The staff at the neonatal unit at CUMH do such important work and it’s a privilege to lend support to them”, said Joanne Fearon, who had a baby at CUMH just 4 months ago.  

John Higgins, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Head of The College of Medicine and Health, UCC said “Neonatal research at Cork University Maternity Hospital consists of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, scientists, nurses and engineers with an overall aim to improve the long-term health of newborn babies. It is through the tremendous efforts of people like Joanne Fearon that donations are received.  The money raised will be used to purchase equipment and to employ staff with the specific expertise necessary to conduct research in this area.  On behalf of my colleagues at CUMH, I would like to sincerely thank Joanne and wish her the very best of luck.”

Each marathon will start at 12pm at Mahers Sports, with the exception of Saturdays and Sundays. You can donate at the store or online at www.facebook.com/12marathonschristmas or at www.mycharity.ie/event12marathons

Cork City Marathon will officially launch in the coming days.  An internationally recognised marathon, the Cork City Marathon will take place on Bank Holiday Monday June 2nd 2014.  One of the fastest courses in Ireland, the Cork City Marathon has been praised for its inclusivity, ensuring that young and old and those with varying abilities are included in the marathon.

Friday 13th December 12:00
Saturday 14th December 9:30am – My Daughters christening taking place that afternoon
Sunday 15th December 1:30 – shop opening hours
Monday 16th December 12:00
Tuesday 17th December 12:00
Wednesday 18th December 12:00
Thursday 19th December 12:00
Friday 20th December 12:00
Saturday 21st December 12:00
Sunday 22nd December 1:30pm – shop opening hours
Monday 23rd December 12:00
Tuesday 24th December 10:00am – need to be in bed early for Santa Claus!