Tyrone football legend Peter Canavan is preparing for his greatest sporting challenge to date since hanging up his inter-county football boots three years ago-the Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin marathon.

The veteran footballer will be anxiously anticipating the weekend in question, as he has often done in the year’s preceding. The second last Sunday in September is GAA Football All-Ireland Final day and this year Canavan will be routing for his beloved county Tyrone as they meet All-Ireland Champions Kerry in what promises to be a spectacular clash of the titans.

Twice an All-Ireland winner himself, Canavan knows a thing or two about what awaits his County team but as a first time marathon runner he’ll be venturing into unknown territory. Canavan took up the ultimate challenge in May when he committed to running the Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Marathon as part of a team of virgin marathon runners which includes Tipperary Hurling great John Leahy and Galway Hurler Alan Kerins.

Canavan missed out on the last two races in the challenge series due to work commitments so the half marathon will be his first real test and Canavan is hoping that his training will stand to him on the day.

“I’ve started to increase my distance and the numbers of times per week that I run. I’ve noticed that gradually I’m building up my stamina for long distance running. I was still playing club until last year so thankfully my fitness levels hadn’t totally abandoned me when I signed up to run the marathon earlier this year.”

“I’m looking forward to the half marathon now, it will be a real test of fitness, hopefully I’m up to the challenge. A few of the lads from the club are running to raise money for the charity also so we’re really driven to succeed and raise money for the cause.”  Accompanying Peter are the following runners: Pascal Canavan, Seamus Henry, Declan O'Neill, John McKeever, Plunket Nugent, Barry McCartan, Conor Mullin, Paul Conway, Oliver McCullagh and Chris Lawn.

Canavan is running on behalf of the charity 'The Spirit of Paul McGirr'. The Tyrone minor footballer Paul McGirr was fatally injured in an accidental collision whilst playing for his county. 2007 marked the 10th anniversary of his untimely death and in his memory, the young people of Dromore set up this charity which aims to raise both funds and volunteers to support communities in Zambia. If you wish to join Peter please click on the link below for details.

                                              Niall Quinn pictured with Peter Canavan in Dublin 2007

Source: www.adidasdublinmarathon.ie