A Rathfriland man who committed to fulfilling a promise to his father by raising money for his chosen charity has successfully run five consecutive 5ks in five countries… in one day!
After his father – who is also named John – took ill, resulting in a difficult 2023 for the family, Johnny Kernaghan made the promise that if he pulled through he would raise money for a charity of his choosing.
With the Southern Area Hospice having provided “compassionate and dignified care” to John’s own father in his final days and his wife having worked with the hospice for five years – choosing the charity came easily.
Related: Rathfriland man fulfilling promise to dad by running 5km in five countries – in one day!
The incredible effort performed by Johnny and three close friends saw a whopping £7,145 raised for The Southern Area Hospice and many lifelong memories made.
In a highlight of the challenge the troupe were “extremely lucky” to get a look around ‘The Turf’ at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, made famous in the television docuseries ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.
Fittingly for the four footie fan friends, their challenge ended up with all 5k runs taking place at football grounds including Tolka Park, Shelbourne FC, Dublin; The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham FC, Wales; Deepdale, Preston North End FC, England; Palmerstown Park, Queen of the South FC, Scotland and Jubliee Park, Moneyslane FC, Northern Ireland.
The quartet at ‘The Turf’ bar Wrexham
They were also joined by two young aspiring athletes on their final leg at home, making crossing that finish line all the more special.
Said Johnny of the surprise additions: “Thank you to the folk who joined us to run the last 5km with us at home, special mention to Ross Callaghan who ran the whole 5km at eight years old and Charlie Ervine who ran the last 2.5km of it at six years old. Amazing achievement for the two boys.”
It’s fair to say the quartet were incredibly well supported throughout, and not just monetarily. As Johnny says, without the physical contribution of others “none of this would be possible”.
Speaking to Armagh I, Johnny said he had been “humbled” by the support of local people.
And of the experience, he added: “Everything went well apart from maybe, between England and Scotland, and with being tight on time, we were stood still in traffic for about half an hour to 40 minutes and that put us under a wee bit of pressure.
“But once we got to Scotland we got the run done as quick as we could but everything else ran smoothly and it was just such a relief to get back on the boat home.
“We had a brilliant reception with nearly 100 people at Moneyslane Football Club to welcome us home so that was great to see.”
After handing over the substantial cheque, Johnny said thanks to all those who helped along the way: “I owe a massive thanks to the three lads who accompanied me on the challenge, Matthew Jackson, Jonny Pierce and Michael Ferguson.
“Also the unsung hero who had the hardest task of all, driving the whole journey for us, Mark Ervine.
“I would like to thank Gareth Bingham as well for letting us use his vehicle to travel around the five countries.
“A word of thanks also has to go to Tom McAvoy from the Milestone Rathfriland who sponsored our food, water and energy supplies throughout the journey. It was a great help throughout the day!
“Last but not least, all the people who turned out to cheer us home at Moneyslane, at either the start or the finish line, nearly 100 people on a Sunday evening was just brilliant to see.
“None of this would be possible without the people mentioned above and again to all the very kind folk who donated; there was over 300 donations in total which is testament to the work the hospice does in our local community!”
After all that running, their legs might have been heavy but their hearts were undoubtedly full.
