Herman Manso Completes 14-Day Run Around Northern Ireland for NIPANC

Setting off from the Big Fish in Belfast and returning there 14 days later, Herman covered over 650km (around 410 miles) in relentless winter conditions, climbing an estimated 15,000 metres of elevation — close to twice the height of Mount Everest. While the original plan was a longer distance, adverse weather and safety considerations meant route changes were needed along the way. The scale of the challenge, however, remained extraordinary.

“The physical toll has been immense”

Speaking during the challenge, Herman described the sheer physical demand of what he was taking on:

“I’ve done quite a few 100-mile races, but I’ve never taken on an event quite as lengthy as this.
The physical toll has been immense — but the support has kept me going.”

Day after day, Herman ran marathon-plus distances, often in cold, wet and windy conditions. Some days he battled sleet and flooded trails; others offered brief moments of sunshine along the Antrim Coast Road. The cumulative fatigue became very real in the final days — yet he continued to put one foot in front of the other, breaking each day into small, manageable milestones:

“From the early days of this challenge I had to break each day into bite-sized chunks — the first 10km, then the first third of the day, the halfway point (my ‘big smile’ moment), and then counting down the final miles and kilometres.”

A challenge inspired by others — and driven by purpose

The idea to run around Northern Ireland was planted a year ago by a friend, but Herman soon turned the challenge into something bigger:

“It was just a challenge, but now it’s become a challenge for a worthy cause.”

Herman chose to support NIPANC after his triathlon club selected the charity as their nominated cause. For Herman, fundraising was only part of the story — awareness was just as important:

“The truth is, I know we’re raising money for this, but it’s also about the awareness.
People might see the flag that I’m running with and Google NIPANC and suddenly they’re aware of the symptoms. If that manages to save a life, that would be incredible.”

Support on the road

Although many miles were run alone, Herman was never truly on his own. Members of his triathlon club joined him for sections of the route, and countless people offered encouragement along the way.

His wife, Jacqui, supported him throughout from their camper van — preparing supplies, offering encouragement, and being there at the end of each long day. Herman described her as his “number one fan” and repeatedly credited her support with helping him get through the toughest moments.

Reflecting at the finish, Herman said:

“My faith in humanity is at an all-time high. The world is a wonderful place, filled with great, selfless people who make such a difference in others’ lives.”

A remarkable effort from everyone involved

Paying tribute to Herman, his wife Jacqui, and everyone who supported the challenge, NIPANC Chairperson Ivan McMinn MBE said:

“What Herman has achieved over the past two weeks is truly remarkable. To sustain that level of physical and mental effort, day after day, takes extraordinary determination.

Jacqui’s support throughout the challenge has been incredible, and it’s clear that this has been a team effort every step of the way.

I also want to thank everyone who supported Herman along the route — those who ran alongside him, those who cheered him on from the roadside, and those who shared his story and donated. Together, you have helped raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and shown what can be achieved when people come together for a cause that matters.”