A documentary feature on the incredible efforts of Mullingar men, Gerry Duffy and Ken Whitelaw, to run 32 marathons in 32 counties in 32 days is to be aired on RTE in the coming months.
The documentary ‘Marathon Men’ combines professionally shot and candid raw footage of the incredible achievement, which was documented in a bestselling book by Gerry called ‘Who Dares, Runs’.
Having posted the trailer to Facebook this week, Gerry said he and Ken were “delighted to confirm that through the fantastic efforts of a dedicated team in Earth Horizons, RTE Television confirmed that they will be showing the recently finished one hour documentary before Christmas. Over 2,500 people were a part of the month long adventure back in 2010. The documentary is a wonderful tribute to everyone who was a part of it.”
It was a two year ambition for Gerry and Ken to run a marathon every single day continuously for 32 days. As if that physical challenge wasn’t enough, the duo set themselves a commitment to raise a six figure sum for charity as well.
It all culminated on Monday, August 2010, when they crossed the finish line in their home town to a heroes’ welcome.
Over the 32 days, Gerry and Ken were joined by over 2,000 runners and supporters, many of whom ran a full or half marathon in their individual counties. Over a half a million euro was raised for charity.
Along the way, Gerry and Ken suffered greatly, and they were tested to the limit. Just how they were tested has so far only publicly been known via Gerry’s excellent first book, but graphic footage captured over the month-long endurance marathon will form part of what is sure to be a much-viewed documentary.
A two-year catalogue of footage, including training and the marathons before, during and after, will be interwoven with personal archive, stills and video diaries, all intercut with retrospective interviews with Gerry, Ken and the crew who share in the agony and ecstasy from the sidelines.
Extensive aerial photography and picture postcard rural and urban shots will take the viewer on a spectacular journey around Ireland, but without the hardship the two men endured.