Updated: Supporters unite! The FTD Brothers’ Longford running route and arrival times
Jordan and Cian Adams, the 'FTD Brothers' on a mission to help find and fund a cure for dementia before it claims their lives, have family in Longford. Both Jordan and Cian will be running in Longford this Monday May 11, starting at 10am in The Mall.
People in Longford are being encouraged to line the route this Monday May 11 to show their support as the FTD Brothers, Cian and Jordan Adams, run through the county during an extraordinary endurance challenge - running 32 counties in 32 days, which, including the London Marathon will be 33 marathons in 33 days, to raise awareness and funds for their very worthy and personal cause.
Please note, the starting point is no longer St Mel's. The FTD Brothers will now be starting their incredible Longford marathon in The Mall at 10am.
According to the updated route on the FTD Brothers website, their run will take them through Kiernan’s Cross, Newtownforbes, Cloondara Bridge via Kilmore Cross, the Royal Canal Greenway car park in Stonepark and back into Longford town, ending on the Battery Road, specifically at Pearse View beside the Circle K filling station.
The finishing line on the Battery Road. Pearse View beside the Circle K filling station.
The two brothers from the UK - one of whom made headlines recently for running the London Marathon with a fridge on his back - have direct family ties to Longford.
Their grandfather hailed from Drumlish, while their grandmother was from nearby Cattan just over the border. The lads still have close connections locally, with their mother’s cousin Mary Breslin and family living in Ballinamuck.
The Adams brothers received widespread praise following their appearance on last Friday night’s Late Late Show.
Speaking to host Patrick Kielty, the brothers shared their extraordinary story, speaking openly of their hope to find a cure for dementia before it claims their lives as both carry the rare genetic mutation linked to frontotemporal dementia.
The condition has already deeply affected their family. The boys’ beloved mother, Geraldine, sadly passed away from early onset dementia at just 52. Several other relatives have also been impacted by the illness.
The brothers began their all-Ireland running journey this week, despite having only just completed the London Marathon on Sunday.
In a remarkable display of endurance, Jordan famously ran the full 26.2 miles through London while carrying a 25kg fridge on his back, a feat that made headlines around the world.
The purpose of the all-Ireland challenge - in which the pair aim to complete all 32 counties in 32 days - is to raise crucial funds (donate here) and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and the FTD Brothers Foundation.
Local people, community groups, and schools are all being encouraged to show their support for the brothers. Local influencer Brian Greville also this week called on Longford people to line the route to cheer on the boys' and keep their spirits up as they undertake the demanding challenge.
TD Micheál Carrigy, has also been reaching out to community groups in a bid to ensure a strong show of support for the brothers at the start line, said he hopes to soon introduce the brothers to people in government with a view to helping them further.
“I've made contact with the brothers as I'm hoping to do something at a national level in Dublin - for when they’ve finished - to meet people relevant within government, to give them the opportunity to speak to people who can make changes.
Speaking about the brothers’ incredible efforts in raising awareness of FTD and their drive to find a cure, Deputy Carrigy added, “When I heard their story, it brought back personal memories to me."
"My late mother Eilish passed away from dementia during covid. The effect it has on a person and on their family, if research can be done to find something that might delay that, I know it would be extremely welcome. I'm in awe of what Jordan and Cian are doing and I want to try and help them in any way I can.”
You can follow the Adams brothers journey on their Instagram page The FTD Brothers.
If you would like to donate, you can do so here