Running on Heart: Gary Russell Takes on an Ultramarathon for Solas

1,400 kilometres. One huge challenge. And a cause that means everything. Carrick-on-Suir man and WLR familiar face Gary Russell is preparing to push himself further than ever before taking on an extraordinary ultramarathon challenge in aid of the Solas Cancer Support Centre. And this isn't Gary's first time going the extra mile for Solas. Gary Russell's 2026 Challenge Last year, he ran an incredible 235km over just 10 days, raising more than €5,000 for the centre. That distance had a very personal meaning. It represented the 235 men who had sought support from Solas during the previous year. This time, Gary has set his sights considerably higher. He began training back in November 2025, and when his 2026 challenge is complete, he will have covered more than 1,400km on the road. It's a staggering physical and mental undertaking, but for Gary, it's about far more than running. It's about giving something back. Every cent raised will go to Solas, which provides vital services, support and therapies completely free of charge to people affected by cancer from its bases in Waterford City and Dungarvan. The need for that support is enormous. Last year alone, it cost €1.2 million to operate the centre, with 1,433 people accessing its free services and therapies. For someone who is willing to put his own body through more than 1,400 kilometres of running to help others, it's perhaps no surprise that Gary is described as a man with a very big heart. He joined Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa to talk about the mammoth challenge ahead, the months of training already behind him, and the reason he's prepared to go the distance once again for Solas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.