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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

NI man attempting to run six marathons in five days across the Jordan desert

Running one marathon is usually enough for most people, but for Johnny Heaney that doesn't quite do it.

Instead, the Derry man is on course to run an ultramarthon later this year - and if wasn't already difficult, the dad-of-one is doing it in the sweltering heat of the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.

Johnny says the feat will include running six full marathons - around 155 miles in total - over five days in October.

He is hoping to raise £5,000 for Foyle Search and Rescue while training for the huge task, which is more than half the length of Ireland in distance, setting a fundraising page online.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Johnny said he was hoping to do the ultramarthon so he could be a good example for his young daughter.

He said: "This is no doubt this is a huge challenge, and I have 20 weeks of hard training ahead of me.

"I'll be doing it to raise money for the local charity who are working tirelessly for the community in Derry, they are a huge asset to the city.

"But with this, I am completely stepping out of my comfort zone and it would mean so much if everyone could support me on this journey.

"I plan on documenting it all through social media channels, to highlight the highs and the lows of the challenge ahead.

"My daughter will be four by the time I do the run, and I just want to show her that she can do anything she wants, and just because something seems difficult that isn't a reason to quit.

"I want to push myself to my limits and hopefully inspire people to show that we're capable of more than what we truly believe."

If you would like to donate to Johnny's cause, you can do so HERE.

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