24-hour charity endurance

Apeer’s west of Ireland sales rep Damian Rogers completed a tough 24-hour endurance event recently, all in the name of charity.

The event, called ‘The Race’, supports the Gorta Self Help Africa Challenge, and collectively raised an impressive £65K for the worthwhile cause.

The unsupported endurance event covers 250km of rugged landscape across north west Donegal, and has been described as Ireland’s toughest endurance challenge as well as being listed as one of the top ten endurance challenges worldwide.

The Irish event is made up of a number of stages including 64km of road and trial running, 15km of kayaking, 166km of cycling and 5km of mountain running.

“It’s the ultimate test of endurance.” Damian sai. “Having run the race in 2016 and pulling out due to injury, I was determined to get back on the horse and complete the event this year. With training from anything between 8-20 hours each week in the winter months leading up to the event, and a 2am prep start on the day itself, it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, especially when you add the unpredictable March weather.”

All proceeds from the event go to The Race’s charity partner, Gorta Self Help Africa. The vibrant and worthwhile organisation works with rural communities in South Africa, supporting them to grow more food, diversify their farm production, develop new off-farm enterprises and sell their surpluses.

Having completed The Race in 20 hours and 37 minutes, Damian hasn’t been put off doing the race again

“I may look to do it again in 2019, but for now, am taking a well-earned rest to spend time with my support team at home,” he said.