Alex completes July 5k a day for LARCC

A 14-year-old from Mullingar has raised €1, 200 for LARCC by running 5k every day in the month of July.

Alex Sheridan took up running for two years ago with Mullingar Harriers and since then has competed in road races the length and breadth of the country.

Heading into second year in Coláiste Mhuire, Alex can now run 20-minute 5ks, and 45-minute 10ks.

“I’ve loads of medals and won money for some road races this year,” said Alex, adding that he’d “like to run a marathon some day”.

“My aunt and uncle, Louise Sheridan and John Byrne from Meath, are runners and that encouraged me to take it up. It was the end of 2021 when I decided to join Harriers. I’ve also take part in the Midlands Tri Youth Series, where you do a 500m swim, 12.5k bike and 3k run.”

“The idea for 5k every day came about when I was on my summer holidays. I like running and I train most days anyway, so I just thought it would be a good thing to do for LARCC. I chose LARCC because a close friend of mine, his dad, recently passed away from cancer.”

In total, Alex raised €1,200, and he wishes to thanked everyone who sponsored and supported him.

“July was very wet so some days it was tough, but I never missed a day. Some days I went on the greenway, and other days, I’d just go straight from my house, and run the 5k.

“On the last day of the challenge, a few members of Midlands Tri ran the last 5k with me to support me, and James Carton actually did two 5ks with me, so I’d like to say a big thank you to him. I’d also like to thank my parents, Lorraine and Barry, who drive me to all the races, and my brother Lee.”