Derry pair to run a unique marathon in the city to raise money for Palestine

A Derry pair have created a Derry marathon with a twist to raise money for medical aid to help those living in Palestine.

Cousins Enya and Stephen Quigley will run three loops of a route they have organised to symbolise the running conditions the Palestinian people face.

The route would begin at the train station at the waterside before making its way across the Peace Bridge and then along the quay to the Palestine steps at the Foyle Bridge before looping back along this path to the train station.

Enya believes it is important to raise money in this manner as it reflects the challenges faced by Palestinians due to restrictions on movement.

She said: “The Palestine Marathon is more than just a race; it is a powerful symbol of resistance. Runners in Bethlehem, where the marathon is held, are often forced to repeat sections of the route due to the limitations on movement.

“Last year there was a launch of a documentary at St. Columb’s Hall; I believe it was called ‘Freedom to run,’ and it was about a group of runners who are part of the ‘Right to Movement,’ a group of Palestinian runners who have run marathons all over the world, with one member doing the Derry marathon a few years back.

“She ran part of it with my cousin, who is doing the challenge along with me, so after watching that, I was totally inspired by that story and in awe, as it takes a lot to run a marathon; there is a lot of mental resilience when you are doing it, and to do it in such a restricted area in Palestine.”

The Right to Movement Palestine running group participated in the Derry marathon previously and has, since 2013, used running as a powerful act of resistance to highlight the fundamental human right to freedom of movement.

(Stephen Quigley and Diala, a member of the Right To Movement Palestine running group)

Everyone is welcome to join Enya and Stephen in their marathon run as they look to continue to raise awareness about the current events that are transpiring in Palestine.

She said: “Why This Cause Matters Now More Than Ever.

“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Over the last 14 months, more than 45,000 “Palestinians have been killed, including thousands of women and children. 

“More than 104,268 have been injured, and approximately 1.9 million people—90% of Gaza's population—have been forcibly displaced, many experiencing displacement multiple times. 

“These staggering numbers are not just statistics—they represent lives devastated by systematic violence.

“The healthcare system in Gaza has been decimated, with severe shortages of medical supplies, electricity, and essential resources. By supporting this event, you are directly contributing to life-saving medical aid and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people during one of their darkest hours.”

Donations can be made to the fundraiser to Enya directly; the reason for this, she said, was because major platforms like GoFundMe and JustGiving limit the reach of causes funding for Palestine, with people being able to contact Enya on email to gather her details -  enya_quigley07@hotmail.co.uk

The marathon is set to take place on Saturday April 26, with Enya and Stephen beginning their run at 9am.