Knock native leading novel running challenge for Down Syndrome Mayo branch

A RUNNING challenge inspired by an ex-Navy SEAL and American endurance legend is taking place in support of Down Syndrome Ireland's Mayo branch next month.

Knock native James Carty is leading the charge in the 4x4x48 Goggins Challenge, inspired by David Goggins.

The idea of the challenge is to run or walk four miles every four hours for 48 hours - a total of 48 miles. That's just over two full marathons over the course of two days.

Now living in Crossmolina, James will be joined by Clive Reilly from Ballina. Also taking part are father and son duo Martin and Conor Canny from Kiltimagh. Martin is chairman of Kiltimagh Knock United, a club the Carty family has a long association with - James currently plays for the KK masters team.

The four will be hitting the road from 8 a.m. on February 3, highlighting awareness about Down Syndrome and raising funds for the Mayo branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. They'll finish up with the final leg at 8 a.m. on February 5. The 4x4x48 challenge is a gruelling physical endurance test, but you complete it at your own pace - it's not a race. All runners and walkers are welcome to join them along the way.

The Coillte Runners group are among those who have indicated they'll be hitting the road in Kiltimagh for a few miles over the weekend. North West Fitness Academy members in Crossmolina will also be out running.

The four men will be easy to identify on local high roads and byroads - look out for their odd socks. The idea comes from World Down Syndrome Day, which is celebrated every year by the wearing of mismatched socks. The odd socks will also be out in force in the run up to the event itself.

James Carty, and his 20-month-old daughter Iris, who has Down Syndrome and is the inspiration behind the challenge, launched an awareness campaign on social media last week for people to wear odd socks for 48 hours - get rooting in your sock drawer for when you are tagged and nominated. You'll then nominate three other people to take up the challenge and post your pictures of you in your odd socks with the hashtags #downsyndromeawareness #downsyndromemayo and #Goggins4x4x48.

All donations are appreciated, with all funds raised going to the Down Syndrome Ireland Mayo branch.

The link to donate is https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/JamesCarty.

Businesses are also invited to sponsor the event - contact Martin Canny at (086) 3723366 or James Carty at (086) 8568143.