Charity Galway to Dublin run is brainchild of Naas, Kildare man

This weekend, a remarkable grassroots challenge will see 35 runners cross Ireland on foot in a non-stop, 232-kilometre relay from Galway to Dublin - all to raise €20,000 for vital mental health support services provided by Grow Mental Health.

Trasna 2025, taking place July 26–27, is the brainchild of Killian Andersen, a passionate young mental health advocate from Naas, Co. Kildare.

Inspired by his own solo efforts, which include a gruelling 50K run on Christmas Day 2023 that raised nearly €10,000 for Grow Mental Health, Killian knew it was time to build something bigger, together.

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“Support from other people makes a huge difference when someone is navigating their way through mental health challenges,” says Killian.

“We would love communities along the route to come out and cheer on our 35 amazing runners as they take on this challenge to help others.”

Seven teams of five runners will cover the journey in 5km relay segments, traversing scenic greenways and roads, day and night, from the Spanish Arches in Galway to Poolbeg Lighthouse in Dublin.

The relay through the darkness serves as a poignant metaphor for the often-invisible mental health journeys many people face.

This 100% volunteer-driven event is supported by a community of runners and local sponsors including ‘Hey Coffee Run’ and ‘The Shed Gym’, all committed to raising awareness and funding for Grow’s life-saving peer-to-peer mental health support groups active across Ireland.

Eanna discovered Grow during the COVID-19 pandemic when his mental health was at its lowest. Attending support groups helped him reclaim stability and even sparked a passion for marathon running.

He’ll now be cheering the teams on with their challenge knowing with the right support and hope that recovery is possible.

“Trasna is more than a run,” says Síle Tracey, Fundraising & Communications Manager at Grow Mental Health.

“It’s a symbol of community resilience and the journey forward, no matter how tough or dark the road may seem. Events like this show how setting goals, building connections, and taking action can truly change lives.”

Trasna 2025 is aiming to raise €20,000, which will directly fund weekly Grow Mental Health support groups in cities and towns across the country.