Tullamore man's diagnosis inspires 12-hour challenge

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Tullamore native John McGowan has inspired Athlone Triathlon Club's 12-hour Challenge, after a Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis changed his life.

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.

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.

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 the running challenge, and other mixing their activities.

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. Some participants aim to cover a marathon distance over the course of the challenge time.

Athlone Triathlon Club secretary Maureen O'Brien has a personal interest in the fundraising efforts as the daughter of the challenge's inspiration.

John was diagnosed on April 15, 2021, with Motor Neurone Disease - a neurodegenerative disorder which affects the nerves, brain, and muscles.

"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."

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."

Maureen 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.