Mayo businessman to run seven marathons across seven continents in seven days for charity

A Mayo businessman and farming entrepreneur is preparing to take on one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges as he runs seven marathons across seven continents in seven consecutive days to raise funds for two charities close to his heart.

Alan Heaney, from Killasser, Swinford, will begin the gruelling 777 Challenge on November 15, joining approximately 40 endurance athletes from around the world for an extraordinary test of physical and mental strength.

The challenge will see Alan travel from Antarctica to Cape Town, Perth, Singapore, Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro and Miami, completing a marathon at each destination over seven consecutive days.

Along the way, he will face extreme weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from minus 30 degrees to more than 40 degrees, as well as long-haul flights, changing time zones and limited recovery time between races.

Alan is already well into his preparations, running half marathons three mornings a week, cycling 50km twice a week and completing regular gym and sauna sessions as he builds towards the challenge.

The 777 Challenge marks the tenth consecutive year that Alan has undertaken an extreme endurance event to raise money for charity. Over the past decade, he has raised more than €285,000 for various causes through a series of demanding physical challenges.

His previous achievements include completing the Marathon des Sables, a 265km, six-marathon race across the Sahara Desert over five days; cycling 600km from Mizen Head to Malin Head in 22 hours and 20 minutes; completing the 1,600km Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle in four days; cycling 2,000km from Lourdes to Knock in five days; and covering 1,800km on a 32-county cycle in six days.

This will be the fourth time Alan has fundraised for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, with proceeds supporting the new Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Castlebar. A percentage of the funds raised will also go to Mindspace Mayo, a mental health support service that Alan supports annually.

Alan covers all expenses associated with his challenges himself, ensuring that every cent raised goes directly to his chosen charities.

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Alan said his motivation comes from a desire to remain physically fit and ready for any sporting challenge, while using his efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“I am a very active person who fills the day from end to end with farming, business matters, coaching kids and personal fitness,” he said.

“About 10 years ago, I made a deal with myself that I would maintain a perpetual body fitness, one that would allow me compete in a triathlon, Hyrox, football match, marathon, duathlon, etc. Whatever it may be, at short notice and the next day. Basically, I’m ready for any sporting challenge any day, any time, anywhere!”

Alan, who is also involved in local voluntary community groups and coaches underage GAA and LGFA teams, said the opportunity to help others was the biggest motivation behind his fundraising efforts.

“I love keeping fit and challenging myself. I am very active in local voluntary community groups but particularly coaching both GAA and LGFA underage teams. I part-time farm too, so I’m pretty busy all day every day - but the biggest motivation for me is knowing that what I’m doing can make a real difference to other people, those less fortunate.

“When you take on something like this, there are going to be lots of tough long days, but knowing you’re helping to make a genuine difference to families keeps you going and driving on.”

Alan said he was delighted to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, having seen first-hand the work of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

“I’ve seen how Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation delivers on its promises. Mayo Hospice in Castlebar and Roscommon Hospice in Roscommon town were both delivered on time and under budget, and that gives me huge confidence in the team and what they are working to achieve for children and families across the western seaboard.

“Martina Jennings and her team are brilliant, and I know that the money raised will go towards making a lasting difference. I’m also supporting Mindspace Mayo again this year, which is another cause very close to my heart.”

Despite his extensive experience in endurance events, Alan acknowledged that the 777 Challenge would present a formidable test.

“Outside the running, there are so many other factors at play - stomach upsets, dehydration, hyperthermia, hypothermia, digestive upsets, nausea, muscle cramps, blisters, etc.

“My body is going to take a serious beating, and the changes in temperature and time zones will make it even more difficult. You could be running in freezing conditions one day and extreme heat the next, with very little time to recover. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and, most importantly, to raising as much as possible for both charities.”

Alan is co-founder and owner of Efficient Farm Systems (EFS), Animal Health Monitoring Systems Ltd, and Lely Mullingar and Lely Kilkenny. The businesses provide robotic feeding, cleaning and milking solutions to dairy and beef farms nationwide, helping to improve animal health and performance while reducing farmers’ workloads.

The Sunflower Children’s Hospice, funded by Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, will provide specialist care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the western seaboard.

Its design has been shaped by families who will use the service, alongside clinicians, to ensure the facility reflects the needs of children and their families.

Since the plans were first unveiled in November 2025, €9 million has been raised through community and corporate fundraising, donor support and local initiatives. The total cost of the development is €20 million, with construction expected to begin in January 2027 and take approximately two years to complete.

Martina Jennings, chief executive of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, praised Alan’s continued commitment to the organisation.

“We are incredibly grateful to Alan for choosing to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice through this extraordinary challenge. This is the fourth time he has fundraised for us, which demonstrates an exceptional level of commitment and generosity,” she said.

“The Sunflower Children’s Hospice will provide much-needed specialist care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the western seaboard. Every euro raised brings us a step closer to making this vital service a reality, and Alan’s efforts will help us move closer to that goal.

“Taking on seven marathons across seven continents in seven days is an incredible physical and mental challenge, and we wish Alan a safe and successful challenge.”

People wishing to support Alan’s fundraising efforts for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice and Mindspace Mayo can donate online at:https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder-email-verification.php?enc=Vkd4VGExcEtXWG96S3k4dloxSlZaamxYUldORmR6MDk=