Mary Anderson Foundation Colour Marathon

On the 13^th of November 2014, Mary Anderson sadly passed away after a 12 year battle with brain tumours. During those 12 years, Mary never once complained about her illness, and all the while when confronting the many challenges and impacts of this terrible illness, she gave birth to an amazing little boy called Peter and found the time to touch the lives of so many other people in a very private way.
It was only after Mary’s untimely passing, and just nine days after the passing of his mother Brigid to bowel cancer, that Mary’s husband Philip, became aware of the many good deeds that Mary had been doing, and whilst Philip had always been aware of Mary’s giving nature, it was the extent of it that overwhelmed him.
It was to this end that Philip decided to set up the Mary Anderson Foundation, and use it as the vehicle to not only remember Mary in a very positive way, but to also carry on the giving legacy that Mary had created and to support the many local good causes that were close to Mary’s heart.
As a means of promoting the Mary Anderson Foundation, Philip has embarked upon a marathon challenge of 52 marathons in 52 weeks, a challenge which he says reflects the struggles Mary faced on a daily basis, particularly in the latter years of her illness.
With his marathon challenge well under way and already receiving the unconditional support of many good people of the Termonmaguirck Parish area, Philip was approached by Marissa McKernan on behalf of the Rainbow Gateway Club, Carrickmore seeking permission to host a marathon in aid of the Mary Anderson Foundation.
As it turned out, the Rainbow Gateway Club just did not want to organise a marathon for Philip, they have proceeded to organise and host Tyrone’s first ever official chip-timed marathon, a marathon that has now been named the Mary Anderson Foundation Colour Marathon, and which is set to take place on Sunday the 13^th September at 09:00am.
The Mary Anderson Foundation Colour Marathon will start outside the Patrician Hall and will wind its way through Loughmacrory, Drumduff, Beragh, and Sixmilecross, before returning to Carrickmore GFC for the finish.
The marathon caters for all abilities, so whether you wish to race, run or walk the full 26.2 miles or participate as a member of a relay team, everyone is welcome to enter and the promise is, no one will be left behind.
As the name of the marathon suggests, there will also be a colour aspect to the marathon which is also a first for a marathon in Ireland, so with music and entertainment already sorted along the route, the Mary Anderson Foundation Colour Marathon promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone and an amazing opportunity for the people of the parish to marvel at the talents of their very own Rainbow Gateway Club.