An Armagh man is lacing up for one of the most gruelling charity challenges imaginable – 40 half marathons in 40 consecutive days – in memory of his dad who he lost to suicide earlier this year.
Glenn Chapman and his long‑time friend Jason have already started the feat, which will see them run 21.1km every single day, with no rest days, finishing on October 3. By the end, they will have covered more than 840 kilometres.
The pair are raising money for the Lighthouse Charity, which supports construction workers and their families, and are using the challenge to encourage open conversations about how people are really feeling.
Glenn, who turns 40 in October, lost his father to suicide in July. Jason’s brother‑in‑law died by suicide in 2022.
“Earlier this year, my father died by suicide. Jason’s brother‑in‑law also took his own life in 2022,” Glenn explained.
“The last few years have been very difficult for our families. It has also made us think deeply about how important it is for people to feel able to talk about their mental health before they reach crisis point.
“If sharing our story and taking on this challenge encourages even one person to ask for help, start a difficult conversation or check in on someone they care about, then every mile will be worth it.”
Glenn’s wife Clare, who contacted Armagh I as the challenge got under way, said both families have been “heavily impacted” and that the two men are determined to “try to take a positive out of two terrible tragedies”.
She added: “They are encouraging people to join them on their runs whether it be for the full half marathon or for 10k or 5k or even on a bike.
“Getting people together and getting people talking is their aim… the message the boys are trying to spread is – it’s okay not to be okay and we all need to be there for each other.”
Glenn and Jason, who have been friends for more than 20 years and previously completed an Ironman together, say this test will be “very different” – not just physically, but emotionally.
The duo are keen that the challenge doesn’t just become about two runners ticking off the miles – they want the wider community involved.
“This challenge isn’t just about Jason and me,” Glenn said.
“We’d love people to join us along the way, whether that’s for 5km, 10km, a half marathon, or whatever distance suits you.
“You don’t have to be a runner. You can walk, run, cycle alongside us or simply come out and show your support.”
Glenn will post the location and route for each day’s run on social media the day before, so anyone who wants to get involved can join them for as much or as little as they like.
Explaining why they chose Lighthouse Charity, Glenn said: “The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, financial and wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. They understand the pressures within our industry and are there to provide practical help when people need it most. That’s why supporting them felt like the right choice.”
Clare added: “I would greatly appreciate any support and coverage that you could provide to spread the message that the boys are trying to spread – it’s okay not to be okay and we all need to be there for each other.”
Glenn is urging people to support in whatever way they can.
“So, if you can, please donate to the Lighthouse Charity, share our challenge, join us for a run, or simply check in on someone you care about,” he said. “Let’s see what we can achieve together.”
To donate to the JustGving page click here.
Updates are also available via Glenn’s social media. You can follow and contact him here: Instagram: @glenn.chapman.3990418 – Facebook: Glenn Chapman
