105 miles non-stop and no sleep: Paul Doherty set to run Inishowen 100 again

Carndonagh endurance runner Paul Doherty (Mullier) is preparing to take on the gruelling Inishowen 100 once again this May - running more than 100 miles non-stop around the peninsula to raise funds for suicide prevention charity Pieta.

Originally from Gortyarn in Carndonagh and now living in Hampshire, England, Paul completed the challenge last year and raised an impressive €24,122.38 for the charity. Now he plans to ‘run it back’, setting off from The Diamond in Carndonagh at 6pm on May 8 and circumnavigating the peninsula through the night before finishing the following evening.

The run will once again coincide with the annual Darkness Into Light events, which are due to take place in Buncrana, Carndonagh and Greencastle on Saturday, May 9.

Typically driven as a scenic tourist route, the Inishowen 100 loops around the peninsula and connects some of its most spectacular coastal locations. Last year Paul completed the full circuit - which actually measures about 105 miles - in 25 hours 1 minute and 1 second, without sleep and with only brief stops for food or essential breaks.

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Reflecting on the experience, Paul said the physical challenge was immense but the support he received along the way is what stayed with him most.

“Honestly when I first thought about doing the Inishowen 100 back around 2023, I actually didn’t think for one minute that the support and the interest that everyone has shown would be so extraordinary,” he said. “When a community like Inishowen and surrounding areas is put to the test they never fail in regards to something that's so important to so many people as this.

“People of all ages came out to run and give support from the late hours of Friday night to the early hours of Saturday morning. Words can’t describe how I felt to see faces I haven’t seen in ages and yet for them to be there to support me.”

The route itself proved a punishing test. Early on, Paul had to tackle the steep climb through the Gap of Mamore, one of the toughest sections of the course. The relatively flat stretch from Buncrana to Moville - via Burnfoot and Muff - offered a welcome reprieve, but the real battle came over the final 40 miles, where the hills around Greencastle, Kinnego Bay, Culdaff and Malin Head proved tortuous as fatigue set in after a full night and day on the road.

“After last year the pain and aches were as I expected and lingered for a few days afterwards,” he said. “Your body is in a place where it’s never been before and walking is a little difficult the day after, but there’s no better place to heal than home.”

Paul and son Toby with the big cheque for Pieta House

Running remains a major passion for Paul, who has also developed a love for hiking in recent years. Alongside friends he has already scaled some of Britain’s highest peaks, including Mount Snowdon in 2023 and both Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike last year.

His next major challenge is already on the horizon. In October, Paul plans to undertake an eight-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain - also raising funds for Pieta.

Paul said the climb is something he has been considering for a couple of years. “An eight day climb will be something I never experienced before,” he said. “Like anything in life just take one step at a time and enjoy the journey.”

But first comes another lap of Inishowen - and another long night on the roads around the peninsula powered, he hopes, by the same community spirit that gave him such a kick he’s determined to run it back.

Click here to donate to the Inishowen 100 for Pieta