On Tuesday we blogged about Alastair Humphreys’ ‘Night of Adventurers’ programme, which brings together the intrepid and courageous to share their stories of adventure in a 100 metre dash style presentation.

On his list of guest speakers was Mark Cooper, who last year ran an extraordinary 50 marathons in just 56 days!

His route started in Holland and took him through Belgium and France, ending in Barcelona in Spain. During these eight weeks, Mark ran 1,300 miles, which is an impressive feat, even in the ultra marathon community.

Surprisingly, Mark had only been running for three years prior to his 50 marathon challenge. It had started as simply a way to get fit but as Mark started to push himself further, it evolved into new life passion.

‘Like most people I viewed running as a way to get fit but it soon became a passion of mine and I also realised that running has so many other benefits other than fitness. I feel energised, focused, driven, calmer and generally a better all round person’

He ran his 50 marathon challenge in memory of his mother, who died suddenly when he was young. He raised money for the charity that helped him at this difficult time. But Mark also wanted to see what he was capable of.

[Speaking in 2012, before the 50 marathons challenge]
‘I am excited to see exactly what I am made of and also to find out what my limits are and if I can go beyond these limits. Throughout history people have broken down barriers, often painfully, and I look forward to pushing my own’

It is when we go beyond our boundaries that we see what we are capable of. That is what Mark has done, and that is what The Wild Geese did in 1691. Venturing into unusual surroundings, The Wild Geese broke down the barriers in front of them and successfully wrote a new chapter in the Irish experience.

You can find more information and buy tickets for ‘Night of Adventure’ on Alastair Humphreys website.