Run for Caiden! 5 Miles Every 4 Hours for 48hrs

‍Run For Caiden – 5 Miles Every 4 Hours over 48 Hours!

Hey everyone, Darren here!

To mark my 40th birthday, I’m taking on the ultimate endurance test:

Running 5 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours straight — starting at 4 PM on Friday, June 13th, and finishing at 4 PM on Sunday, June 15th. I won’t be doing it alone… Joining me for the FULL 48-HOUR CHALLENGE are the legends: Dermot McNamee, Adrian Finlay & Colin O’Kane (not sure who’s the wisest, but we’re all in now! )

Why I’m Doing This

This is for my son — Caiden, our warrior, our heart.

Caiden lives with MecP2 Duplication Syndrome, a rare, life-limiting genetic condition caused by a duplication of the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. This condition affects brain development and function, causing a range of severe symptoms including:

• Global developmental delays

• Severe intellectual disability

• Little or no speech

• Muscle tone issues

• Recurrent respiratory infections

• Risk of seizures

Despite the daily challenges, the hospital stays, and medical interventions, Caiden fights with quiet strength and a smile that could light up the darkest day. He may be non-verbal, but his spirit speaks volumes.

Melanie (Caiden’s amazing mum) and I would do absolutely anything to give him a fuller, more comfortable life — and this run is just one small step toward that.

What We’re Raising Funds For

This challenge is about more than miles — it’s about hope, inclusion, and quality of life. Funds raised will go towards:

• Specialist therapies that help ease Caiden’s daily struggles

• Medical investigations and treatments to keep him safe

• Research into a potential cure to halt — or even reverse — the progression of MecP2

• A special running buggy, so Caiden can come with us on future runs and adventures, feeling the wind and the freedom alongside us

How You Can Help

Every share, every cheer, every donation — it all counts.

1. Donate: Click here to support Caiden

2. Share this post: Spread the word and use #Run4Caiden

3. Cheer us on: I’ll be live-tracking the journey — your messages will keep me going, especially during those 4 AM runs!

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Run Schedule

• Friday, Jun 13: 16:00 | 20:00

• Saturday, Jun 14: 00:00 | 04:00 | 08:00 | 12:00 (Youth Sport 5K & Family Fun Day ) | 16:00 | 20:00

• Sunday, Jun 15: 00:00 | 04:00 | 08:00 | 12:00 — last Run Then we finish!

I know this is a huge ask of my body — but Caiden faces far greater challenges every single day. For him, I’ll keep running.

Thank you so much for being part of this journey. Let’s do something incredible together.

With love and miles,

Darren

#Run4Caiden #TeamCaiden #MecP2Awareness #40AndDetermined #InclusionMatters #WarriorDad #FamilyFirst