32-day dash from addiction to inspiration, one 5k at a time!

Running 5K in 32 counties in 32 days to raise awareness for mental health, Christopher Connolly is on a mission to inspire a nation. “The whole idea is to get the country moving. It’s not about how fast or how far you run—it’s about showing up, getting uncomfortable, and pushing yourself to new limits.”
On October 8, Chris made his stop in Leitrim, running alongside James Doyle at Acres Lake Boardwalk in Drumshanbo. “The support has been unreal,” Chris shared, reflecting on his time in Leitrim. “We’ve had people of all ages join us—parents pushing strollers, kids strapped to their chests, even grandmothers! It’s about community, not fitness levels.”

Chris’s goal isn’t just to complete the challenge; he aims to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones, especially those who feel trapped in their circumstances. "When you're running, and you're feeling that discomfort—those thoughts telling you, ‘I can't do this’—it mirrors life. But when you push through, you realize you can overcome those mental barriers."

Dublin dad Christopher Connolly has shared his incredible journey from battling cocaine and alcohol addiction to turning his life around and running his own business. Once homeless and lost in addiction, Chris is now a successful personal trainer who recently completed the Dublin Marathon—and he's on a mission to inspire others to transform their lives.

Chris began experimenting with drugs and alcohol as a teenager, but it soon spiraled into full-blown addiction. “I always struggled to feel like I actually fit in with society,” Chris says. “It wasn’t until I started exercising and going through rehabilitation that I found myself again—through fitness and, more importantly, through community.”

After years of battling his demons, Chris found strength through exercise, which became a lifeline in his recovery. "Fitness gave me purpose again," he reflects. "It wasn’t just about getting in shape; it was about rediscovering myself and realizing that I had more to offer." His journey back to sobriety and wellness wasn’t easy, but his newfound dedication to health and mental well-being transformed his life.

Today, Chris runs a thriving personal training business, and his passion for fitness led him to take on the Dublin Marathon. Crossing the finish line was more than a personal victory—it was symbolic of everything he had overcome.

Chris’s mission goes beyond personal achievement. He’s running to raise over €100,000 for Shannon’s Hopeline, a suicide prevention charity. “This challenge is about more than just running. It’s about saving lives. If people want to change their lives, they need to change their daily habits—whether it’s fitness, friendships, or their mindset.”

With each run, Chris is not only raising funds but also encouraging people to make meaningful changes in their own lives. “If I can come back from where I was, anyone can. I’m inviting everyone to join me on these runs.”
To follow Chris’s journey or donate to Shannon’s Hopeline, check out his Instagram page at GetBetterWithChris. Join him in making a difference, one run at a time.