19 Marathons in 19 Days!! Runner raises money for COVID-19

By tsell on May 22, 2020
marathon
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 06: Runners make their way through a Brooklyn neighborhood during the New York City Marathon November 6, 2005 in New York City. In a final sprint to win the men’s title, Kenya’s Paul Tergat beat defending champion Hendrick Ramaala of South Africa. Tergat is the ninth straight African to win the New York City Marathon. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Runner from the Isle of Man completes a miraculous 19 marathons in 19 days for COVID-19 fundraiser

By Trent Sell

For myself and the vast majority of people, the idea of completing one marathon is a major accomplishment, now think about doing it 18 more times. In a row I might add! Christian Varley completed this impressive challenge, 19 marathons in 19 days, that’s a total of 497.8 miles.

Running to raise money for COVID-19

Christian is from the Isle of Man. The small self-governing island is situated between Ireland and England. The marathon runner took to the pavement to raise money for the COVID-19 response on the island. Raising $102,000 for the Manx Solidarity Fund, he nearly quadrupled his goal of $23,250. The Manx Solidarity Fund was established in response to aiding those affected by the virus who live on the Isle of Man.

Christian is no stranger to running marathons, as he won last year’s Isle of Man Marathon. He finished his last marathon from Peel to the island’s capital of Douglas in 4 hours and 39 minutes. The emotional finish brought him to tears as his daughter and fans cheered him on during his last steps.

Varley tells Manx Radio, “The running side of it is kind of forgotten now, just that finale there and even going back to the start of the run; the amount of people out beeping their horns, it was just like the day was designated to me.

Overwhelmed by the support from the community and those that helped him behind the scenes, he couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

“The support was just unbelievable. I knew there would be people there at the finish, (but) I had no idea what was coming and the way they finished it off with me going up to collect my daughter — I’ve never been so emotional to be honest.” – Christian Varley

At the time of this writing, the Isle of Man has had 336 COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths. The total population of the small community is just over 85,000 people. Watch the amazing video of Varley as he comes across the finish line.

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