Take A Breath Challenge - Half Marathon & 5k 2023

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Asthma Society of Ireland come and join Mike McDonagh whilst he runs a half marathon to give back to a group who have provided great support to him and many others during the past 50 years.

Mike is a Chronic Asthmatic has suffered from respiratory problems all his life.  This event aims to showcase what is achievable when the condition is managed.  It also highlights the great work done by Athletic Cubs (Athenry Ac in his case) encouraging and supporting individuals to get involved with the sport.

Mike has been involved with the Asthma Society for many years. He told his story in 2019 in a campaign ran by the Asthma Society on Controlling Asthma and the importance of an Asthma Action plan. As a Chronic Asthmatic he spends his life dealing with the challenges of Asthma. The aim of this event highlights his perspective on Asthma – that it is a condition that with management everything is possible. It is also a coincidence that he shares a birthday with the Asthma Society.

Mike’s video from 2019 can be seen here : https://www.facebook.com/asthmasociety/videos/2338174646244976

Asthma in Ireland : In Ireland, there are currently 380,000 people with asthma, with 890,000 people likely to have it in their lifetime. We have the 4th highest prevalence rate in the world. Every 8 minutes someone is hospitalised due to asthma complications, and every 5 days someone dies from it. Over 90% of those deaths are preventable.