7 marathons, 7 continents, 7 months: Mark makes it a first

FOR gamblers, it meant luck. For Pythagoreans, the perfect number.

For Mark Scanlon, the magical number seven brought a new world record and the fulfilment of a dream.

The 24-year-old, from Carrowkerribla, Co Mayo, has become the youngest person to run seven marathons in seven months on seven continents.

His inter continental dash ended yesterday when he touched down in Dublin Airport seven months after the endurance test began.

“I’m tired, sore, mentally and physically exhausted, but it’s great to be finished and it’s great to be home,” an elated Mark said last night.

The driving force behind his running was the memory of his father, who died in 1999 from cancer of the oesophagus.

Mark’s mission was to raise €50,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.

His efforts have pulled in more than €20,000 to date.

His determination carried him through the fierce demands of the Antarctic, the heat of the Kenyan sun, around Sydney dressed as a daffodil and into a kitchen in Longford when a water station ran out of supplies.

His triple-seven challenge — all the more significant for a man with no formal running training — also took him to San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Mumbai.

“The best part about the whole thing was the insight it gave me into the Irish people and just how supportive they are when it comes to a good cause.

“I got hundreds of emails of support, people I hadn’t seen for years got back in touch and offered fundraising help, there were constant requests to update my blog,” said an exhausted Mark on his return.

“The worst part was trying to run the last 2km of a marathon when my ankles were killing me, I was burnt alive from the sun and my body was telling me it wanted to give up.

“The most challenging environment was the Antarctic, sinking into snow with every step. It was like running with your eyes open through a huge container of milk, but I did enjoy that race.

“Kenya was tough. I was dressed as a daffodil and the glue holding the wire together in my costume began to melt.”

Mark is preparing his documentation for presentation to those tasked with validating entry to the Guinness Book of Records.

* To help Mark reach his €50,000 target, log on to www.777challenge.com and donate online, or send your donations to the Irish Cancer Society, Northumberland Road, Dublin.