Athlone Triathlon Club’s twelve-hour challenge prompted by motor neurone disease diagnosis
A major 12-hour challenge organised by Athlone Triathlon Club was inspired by the father of club secretary Maureen O'Brien.
Tullamore native John McGowan was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in April 15, 2021 - a neurodegenerative disorder which affects the nerves, brain, and muscles.
Set to take place on Sunday, February 2, the challenge will see participants complete a 12-hour-long spinning, running, or boating challenge in order to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Athlone Family Resource Centre.
Almost 100 people have already signed up for the event, which can be completed on an individual basis, or in relay style for those completing the challenge in groups. Participants can also complete any combination of the sporting disciplines involved, with some people taking on either the running or spinning challenge, and others mixing their activities.
The spinning event, indoor cycling on stationary bikes, is being hosted in Athlone Community College, with the running event being held in the nearby Athlone Regional Sport Centre. During the Spinathon a new guest instructor will take the stage every hour to motivate the cyclists, with participants moving for 50 minutes per hour, with a ten minute break. Runners can choose their own distance per hour along the challenges marshalled routes, with participants signing up to complete anywhere from 1 mile to 5km per hour.
John was an avid runner and longtime member of the Tullamore Harriers before his heartbreaking MND diagnosis caused him to lose his ability to walk. His daughter Maureen said due to his previous level of activity in local fitness groups, the diagnosis was particularly hard to take for the family.
"It is always very difficult for any family to receive that news," Maureen said. "It was heartbreaking and very hard to take for us because my dad was always a runner, he was always involved in all sorts of sports.
"He's been involved in the Tullamore Harriers for many years. On Christmas we did the Hospice Mile - we do that every year - but this year he had to be pushed in his wheelchair. People were so kind but the looks of sympathy were heartbreaking."
The progressive disease has caused John's condition to deteriorate over the past year, and he has lost the ability to speak as a result. This has been a particularly painful development for Maureen and her family.
"I miss the sound of his voice. I'm grieving the person, and he's not gone yet. That's the reality of the disease," she said.
The Moate resident will be taking on the Spinathon as an individual, and says that her training as a triathlon athlete has helped her to prepare her for the feat.
"As a triathlon athlete, we prepare both our body for the physical race, and we prepare mentally - it's very similar to prepare for this. I'm running, and I'm swimming as well in preparation.
"I'll be on the bike for 7am, stopping to take a break at 10 to 8 to eat something and go to the toilet, and I intend to continue the challenge that way until 7pm."
To donate to Maureen's own fundraiser, go to https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/MaureenOBrien1. There are also numerous other participants fundraising on idonate. To see the full list of fundraisers, or to see the total amount fundraised, go to https://www.idonate.ie/event/12hourchallenge.