French 'Forrest Gump' to run 13-marathons in 13-days in Ireland for charity - 14th to 26th Oct 2025

Starting on Tuesday the 14th of October 2025, French runner Claude Cazes dressed as the “French Forrest Gump” will run 13-marathons in 13-days with the aim of raising funds for DEBRA Ireland.

Update Mon 13th Oct: Claude started from the MTU track in Bishopstown at 8.15am on Tues 14th Oct.

He will start in Cork City on Tuesday 14th of October 2025 and run a marathon to Charleville. In the following days, he will go through Limerick and Galway before arriving in Sligo. He will then head east towards Dublin.

As well as raising funds for charity, he would also welcome offers of accommodation or meals along the way.

See below....

THE CHALLENGE : In a Few Words

I run across the world for causes 

Who: Claude Cazes, the French adventurer or dressed as “French Forrest Gump”, solo and without any assistance.

What: Running a daily marathon across Ireland for 13 days. 

When: October 14 - October 26, 2025, from Sligo to Dublin.

Distance: 546 km 13 marathons in 13 consecutive days.

Purpose: To raise vital funds and awareness for DEBRA Ireland and those living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

My name is Claude Cazes, and I am a French adventurer, explorer, and extreme marathon runner, as well as a father of two children. I am writing to you today to tell you about my challenge:

 I plan to cross Ireland by running, starting from the municipality of "Cork" towards "Sligo," and then from Sligo to Dublin. I will run my race in Forrest Gump clothes.

 More details about the challenge are as follows: It begins on October 14, 2025, covering approximately 546 km in total. I will complete 42 km per day, split into two parts:

21 km in the morning with a stop in a "rest" town (for eating, drinking, stretching, and a 1-hour rest).

21 km in the afternoon with a stop in an "overnight" town (for eating, drinking, stretching, and resting for the night).

 Your municipality is on my route, its an honour for me to cross your town, and I am seeking your generosity for this challenge, "The Butterfly Skin Marathons."

I would be grateful if you could participate in this event by offering overnight accommodation and an evening meal on [october 15, 2025]. This could be a camp bed in a community hall (as other towns have done), or through the hospitality of an establishment or one of your citizens.

The Power of Your Contribution

A 100% of the funds raised will go towards DEBRA Ireland Every kilometre run, every blister endured, is for a single, critical purpose: to raise maximum funds for DEBRA Ireland. Your support directly translates into:

Life-changing care: Providing essential nursing, wound care, and support services for individuals living with EB.

Ground breaking research: Funding the search for treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this devastating condition. 

Advocacy & Awareness: Giving a voice to the "butterfly children" and ensuring their needs are met.

DONATIONS Simply go to DEBRA IRELAND’S A THOUSAND BAND-AIDS CHALLENGE PAGE https://idonate.ie/ClaudeCazes

Contact Claude Cazes ccclaudeee AT hotmail DOT fr