Murdock team to run 440km in 24 hours for three life-changing charities

Murdock Builders Merchants team members Connor Gough, Stephen Patterson and Drew Fowler pictured ahead of the Murdock 110k fundraising challenge

Four members of the Murdock team are preparing to push themselves through an extraordinary 24-hour endurance challenge that will see them collectively run a staggering 440 kilometres across Northern Ireland in aid of three charities with deep personal meaning to those taking part.

The challenge, titled ‘Murdock 110KM’, will begin at 11:30am on Thursday 11th June and continue non-stop until 11:30am on Friday 12th June, with each runner aiming to complete an exhausting 110km route over the course of the event.

In total, the four participants will cover the equivalent of more than 10 marathons combined while raising money for Daisy Lodge (Cancer Fund for Children), Down Syndrome Association NI and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Personal causes driving punishing challenge

The challenge will involve runners taking on repeated 10km routes from Murdock branches across Northern Ireland, with colleagues supporting logistics, safety and welfare throughout the night and into the following day.

Taking part are Connor Gough, Drew Fowler, Stephen Patterson and Kevin Murdock, with each runner supporting causes that have had a significant impact on their lives and families.

Connor Gough, who is fundraising for Daisy Lodge, said the challenge is about giving back to families facing devastating circumstances.

“Daisy Lodge provides incredible support to families going through the unimaginable,” he said.

“This is about giving something back and helping ensure more families can access that care when they need it most.”

Drew Fowler, who is supporting Down Syndrome Association NI, said the scale of the challenge reflects the determination to make a meaningful difference.

“This challenge is tough, but it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges faced by individuals and families supported by Down Syndrome NI,” he said.

“If we can raise awareness and funds to make a difference, every step will be worth it.”

Running through the night across Northern Ireland

Participants will continue running throughout the night as teams across the Murdock business coordinate support, route management and welfare cover to keep the event moving continuously for the full 24-hour period.

Stephen Patterson, fundraising for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, said the challenge is ultimately about supporting progress towards better treatments and hope for families affected by the illness.

“MND is a devastating illness that impacts entire families,” he said.

“By supporting research, we’re helping to drive progress towards new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

“Taking on 110km is a huge challenge, but it’s a small step compared to the breakthroughs that research can deliver. I’m proud to be part of something that can contribute to that.”

The scale of the event means each participant will need to average long-distance running throughout an entire day and night, testing endurance, recovery and mental resilience as fatigue sets in.

Business backs major fundraising effort

Murdock Builders Merchants Managing Director Martin Farrell said the challenge reflects the spirit and determination of the people within the company.

“This challenge reflects the determination and community spirit that runs through our business,” he said.

“We’re incredibly proud of the team taking part and the meaningful causes they’re supporting.”

Supporters are being encouraged to follow the runners’ progress across Murdock’s social media channels, where live updates, distance tracking and behind-the-scenes coverage will be shared throughout the challenge.

A GoFundMe page has also been launched, with funds raised split between Daisy Lodge (Cancer Fund for Children), Down Syndrome Association NI and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

For many local families across Northern Ireland, all three charities provide vital support during some of the most difficult moments in life — from helping children with cancer and their families, to supporting people living with Down syndrome and funding research into one of the most devastating neurological illnesses.

The Murdock 110KM challenge begins at 11:30am on Thursday 11th June and concludes at 11:30am on Friday 12th June.

For more information or to donate, visit:

GoFundMe