Gerry O'Boyle

Ulster Coastal Run Gerry O'Boyle

Few experiences in life are as inspiring as the freedom of hitting the open road.

I discovered this at a young age when I received my first pair of running shoes. I went as far and as fast as my legs could carry me and did it all over again the next day. Eventually I got to the point where I wanted to keep going, to keep venturing past the comforts of familiar scenery and explore the wider world at my fingertips. It was a decision that would open a realm of possibilities I never envisioned.

Ulster Coastal Run: A Running and Sometimes Walking Adventure, was born from the impossible combination of restlessness and my love of running. Long have I desired to cover every beach, peninsula, coastal nook and cranny comprising almost 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of the province. It has been a journey of three years, at times stretching my limits to their breaking point.

It began on a cold February day in Omeath in 2017. Together with a pair of accomplished runners, we would set forth on the grand adventure of a lifetime. Our quest was one of honour, for we were running to raise money for Clifton Special School in Bangor Co. Down where my son Brian studies. I was also inspired and so proud that Brian joined me on a few of the walking stages.

Ulster Coastal Run describes spectacular beaches, friendly villagers, Atlantic storms, a quick sprint through a prison, seeing the 'Garden of Eden' (that's just outside Carrickfergus!) and crossing 'one man's pass' over the cliffs of Slieve League in Donegal. It is a story of love and inspiration. One that has yet to end as I set my sights on the rest of Ireland.