TRASNA returns: 40 runners to cross Ireland through day and night for mental health
Forty runners are preparing to cross Ireland on foot this weekend as TRASNA returns for its second year, taking on a non-stop relay from Galway to Dublin in support of Grow Mental Health.
Following the success of its inaugural challenge in 2025, TRASNA 2026 will see eight teams of five runners set off from the Spanish Arch in Galway at 12 noon on Saturday, August 22nd, running continuously through the day and night before reaching the finish line in Clontarf, Dublin on Sunday, August 23rd.
Together, the teams will cover 232 kilometres across Ireland, with each participant running beyond marathon distance over the course of the challenge.
The event has grown significantly since its first outing last summer, runners across seven teams took on the challenge and raised more than €30,000 for Grow Mental Health.
This year, the 40 runners have set themselves an ambitious fundraising target of €35,000, and with days to go, have already raised an incredible €32,422.
TRASNA was founded by Killian Andersen and Abe King, young mental health advocates from Naas, Co. Kildare, following a series of his own fundraising challenges. Now in its second year, Killian and Abe are driving TRASNA forward, bringing together a growing community of runners united by one mission: to raise awareness and vital funds for mental health support across Ireland.
The relay continues throughout the night, with the journey from darkness into daylight reflecting the silent and often unseen struggles many people experience with their mental health.
Killian Andersen, Co-Founder of TRASNA, said: “It’s incredible to see how much TRASNA has grown in just one year. We now have 40 people willing to push themselves beyond marathon distance, through the day and night, for something much bigger than any one of us. Mental health challenges can feel incredibly isolating, and TRASNA is about showing the power of having people beside you when things get tough. We’d love communities along the route to come out, cheer the teams on and help us get over that €35,000 finish line.”
All funds raised will support Grow Mental Health and its network of free peer-to-peer support groups for people experiencing mental health challenges across Ireland.
Síle Tracey, Fundraising & Communications Manager at Grow Mental Health, said: “The support behind TRASNA has been extraordinary. To see it return bigger in its second year, with 40 runners and already over €32,000 raised, shows just how strongly its message has resonated with people. At Grow, we see every week how important connection and peer support can be when someone is struggling with their mental health. Every kilometre these runners take on, every donation and every person who comes out to support them helps us continue providing that vital support in communities across Ireland.”
Communities along the route are being encouraged to come out and support the runners as they make their way across the country, particularly through the Midlands, where teams will continue running throughout Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
Each team will carry a live tracker, allowing supporters across Ireland to follow their progress throughout the 232km journey.
The runners will leave the Spanish Arch in Galway at 12 noon on Saturday, August 22, with their arrival at the finish line in Clontarf, Dublin expected between 8am and 2pm on Sunday, August 23, depending on weather conditions and running pace.
TRASNA 2026 has already raised €32,422 towards its €35,000 fundraising target, with organisers calling on the public to donate, share the challenge or simply come out along the route and show their support.
For more information, please see trasnaraceseries.com/galway-to-dublin.
Slán go fóill.
