On October 5th 2019 Michael Regan is on a mission to escape Crumlin Road Gaol. Once outside the prison walls Michael has 24 hours to run as far away from the jail as possible. In this unique race brought to you by We run wild NI competitors have 24 hours to get as far away as possible. When 24 hours has lapsed the organisers measure the distance from the jail to the competitors as the crow flys. So competitors have to get the most direct route when route planning. How far can Michael go?

"I am new to Ultra Distance running having only completed two previous events. One event was a 40 mile trail ultra the other was a 6 hour challenge in which I completed 33 miles. I always liked the thought of a 24 hour race but the events we have here tend to be around a track continuously. This event seems like a great way of covering 24 hours and seeing some of the country in the process. This will be my most challenging event to date and I have dropped weight and trained hard for it. I am not taking for granted just how hard this event will be. I thought to help make me keep going I should try and raise money for causes close to my heart. I have choosen S.T.E.P.S. and Gaelscoil Éanna.

S.T.E.P.S. is a mental health group that do fantastic work in the community. I have lost close friends to suicide and know the problem is getting worse. The stigma around mental health has been greatly challenged by the team. I have seen some of the support and work the team do and unfortunately they can only do so much on tight budgets. Mental Health effects everyone and S.T.E.P.S. is open to anyone availing of asistance and advice. The more support we can give the group, the more work and support they can provide to the community.

Education is one of the most important things we can provide for our children. In times when education budgets are being cut things are getting tighter for schools. Gaelscoil Éanna is the other partner I am raising money for. This small but growing school has a fantastic record for all its pupils.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you can help make this mammoth challenge a bit easier by supporting this cause."

Update.. While training for this challenge I took part in a 50k Ultra Race around the grounds of Castleward. I was mainly using it for training but delighted to say I came 2nd. This has put me in a fantastic mindset going into the final few weeks of training.