Shinty player completes a magnificent seven marathons in seven days to raise over £6000 for Highland Hospice
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He felt beaten and broken early on day three, but marathon man Connor Golabek stuck it out to complete an incredible fundraising feat for Highland Hospice.
The Glenurquhart shinty player drew on depths of endurance to tackle a magnificent seven marathons in seven days, crossing the finishing line on Saturday morning to applause from family and friends.
He had never before run more than a half marathon before final training last month.
The 26-year-old cyber security expert’s charity tally has rocketed past a £2000 target to more than £6000, with another £500 still to come from shinty club team-mates.
The Raigmore man, a hospice volunteer during lockdown, said: “It was a fantastic final day and just complete exhaustion and relief at the end. I’m completely blown away by donations. I can’t thank everyone enough. Highland Hospice do amazing work and I’ve seen how much funds are needed.
“I’m hoping to do other challenges in the future, but recovery might take a while! With the adrenaline gone now, the knees are agony.”
Glenurquhart team-mate Michael Fraser, the former Caley Thistle goalkeeper, completed the second marathon with him, while coach Stuart Mackintosh cycled another to keep spirits up. Eight team-mates in the club’s red and black joined on the final day, but day three proved make-or-break.
Mr Golabek added: “Three miles in, I actually stopped to phone the hospice to say I couldn’t go on. I had incredible pain shooting through my foot, up to my knee.
“I decided to battle on to a mate’s house and then got back on it. From then on, whenever the bones got really sore, I knew I could do it. That’s a great life lesson for the future.”
Mr Golabek, who is nephew of former Caley Thistle, Ross County and Clach defender Stuart Golabek, ran his fastest marathon on day one at 3hrs and 36mins, with the last completed in 4hrs and 12 mins.
To donate, visit his fundraising page.
Shinty star to tackle seven marathons in seven days for Highland Hospice
