Seven year old boy set to complete his tenth half marathon

The final countdown is on to this weekend's Waterside Half Marathon in Derry - Londonderry.

Among the 2,000 runners taking part will be 7 year-old Ethan McClean, making it his tenth 13 mile race.

Ethan was diagnosed with the terminal illness Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was eighteen months old and is completing the race to raise awareness of both the condition and the charity, Muscular Dystrophy UK.

According to the charity there are around 2,500 people living with the illness in the UK.

Making up part of ‘Team McClean’ Ethan will get a helping hand from mum, Yvette, dad Andrew and his specially adapted Hoyt Assisted running chair.

Ethan’s dad, Andrew, explains how they got involved:

“After being inspired by other families in Northern Ireland raising money and awareness for their charities myself and his mum Yvette joined our local running club in Ballymena a number of years back and began taking part in half marathons four years ago. 

“When we participated, raised awareness and funds for charities, Ethan was sitting at home as his mobility nor his normal wheelchair allowed him to take part in official running events. 

“While taking part in another local half marathon a number of years ago we met a family whose child was using a specially adapted chair that was exactly what we needed. Despite being very expensive, we thankfully managed to raise funds and buy one with the help of our friends, families and complete strangers.”

It was only a matter of weeks before they began to notice the benefit of open air on Ethan’s general health and well-being.

Since then, Andrew said they’ve undertaken one challenge after another:

‘A small band of helpers, who we call ‘Team McClean’ join Yvette on some of the race days, helping to push him along the route to get Ethan over the finish line.

“He is such a brave little boy. His mother and I are inspired by him every day.”

The 13.1 mile course departs from Ebrington Square at 10.00am on Sunday with runners travelling to the city side before returning to finish at St Columb’s Park.

For further details, visit www.derrystrabane.com/halfmarathon.