Bermuda Marathon To Have Charitable Edge
One of the most intriguing stories behind this year’s Bermuda International Marathon is that of Andrew O’Brien, a newcomer to distance running who has set himself a global challenge of heroic proportions.
Mr. O’Brien is running a full marathon not just once, but 12 times in 12 months in order to raise money for the ISIS Foundation, an international development organisation that was started in Bermuda 16 years ago.
Mr. O’Brien works as an actuary in London for Aspen, the international reinsurance and insurance group with an office in Bermuda. Aspen is a major ISIS partner, supporting the foundation’s work in Uganda.
Mr. O’Brien set his ambitious goal after visiting Kiwoko Hospital in rural Uganda in order to experience first-hand the work done through Aspen’s partnership with The ISIS Foundation.
“I was so inspired by the strength of character and determination of the people I met there that I set myself the challenge of running 12 marathons in 12 months. The Bermuda International marathon will be my eighth marathon,” he said.
Bermuda Marathon route map courtesy of BermudaRaceWeekend.com:
“I believe the richest resource Uganda has is its own people – in the midst of abject poverty, deprivation and sickness, the Ugandan people are bursting with life and full of hope.
“As a newbie to running, this has been a huge personal challenge but, after witnessing the daily struggles faced by women and children living in poverty, I feel compelled to help in whatever way I can.”
Since June of last year, Mr. O’Brien has run marathons in Norway, Switzerland, Berlin, Connecticut, New York, and Singapore. He has also returned to Kiwoko Hospital to run a marathon through the Ugandan bush.
So far, he has raised $9,725 for Kiwoko Hospital.
“I am very excited about coming to Bermuda,” he said. “This will be my first time on the island and I’m especially looking forward to it after pulling out due to injury last year.
“12 in 12 was meant to kick off with the Bermuda Marathon this time last year, so it will be all the sweeter this year when I finally cross the finish line. It’s been a long time coming, but I know it’s going to be a fantastic weekend.”
The Bermuda Marathon Weekend will take place from January 17 through January 19, including an invitational mile along Front Street, a 10K walk, a half-marathon, and a full marathon.
