Pleasure in punishment: Seven marathons, seven cities, seven days ending in Cork next week

Cancer isn't going away, but they were just as stubborn with an idea. 350km of ultra-marthon punishment, shared across New York, Boston, London, Paris, Barcelona, Dublin and Cork - two Leeside friends, running for those they lost, running for those still fighting

MARATHON MEN: Alan Minihane (second left, from Bishopstown in Cork)) and Liam Dineen (second right, from Douglas) after completing their first ultra marathon in New York on Monday. Also pictured are John Dowling (left) and the Folor team who are a main sponsors of the venture and have strong Cork ties. Third from right is Chris Nikic, one of the first Downs Syndrome clients to complete an Ironman. He travelled from Florida to support the Cork duo.

IT BEGAN, as these things occasionally do, down a YouTube rabbit hole. Two friends, a spark of inspiration, and an idea that would grow beyond the reach of sense or sanity. An idea that’s up and running this week.

For Liam Dineen and Alan Minihane, two Cork men, the challenge is as blunt as it sounds: seven 50km ultramarathons in seven days, across seven cities, starting in New York and ending in Cork on September 21.