Rory Best’s biggest Miles 2 Mayo yet is underway — a 235-mile walk around the island for Cancer Fund for Children, finishing in Cong, Co Mayo on Sunday 20 September 2026.
Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo — the Trilogy pairs the former Ireland and Ulster captain with 21 business leaders. The target is around £1.2 million toward equipping Daisy Lodge Cong, the charity’s second therapeutic short-break centre due to open in 2027. Earlier Miles 2 Mayo challenges have already raised over £2 million.
Why Dublin readers know this walk
In 2023, Best walked from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to Cong and broke ground on the new Daisy Lodge. In 2021 the first walk ran from Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co Down to Cong. 2025’s 26 Mountains to Mayo raised about £1.5 million. The 2026 trilogy brings those initiatives together for one final push.
This weekend’s Northern Ireland stretch includes Sunday 13 September’s Bangor Marina to Affidea Stadium day — with Ireland and Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale guest-walking Stormont grounds. Full Belfast route and how to cheer them on is on Love Belfast.
The route ahead
The challenge opened Saturday 12 September in Derry/Londonderry. After Belfast it continues through Dublin, Kildare, Carlow, Cork, Limerick and Galway before Cong. Headline sponsor Arachas Corporate Brokers has partnered since 2021; Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group is a supporting sponsor.
Best has said the motivation remains families facing childhood cancer, and that seeing Daisy Lodge Cong near completion is emotional. Cancer Fund for Children CEO Phil Alexander has framed the Cong centre as proof of growing need and an all-island commitment. Arachas CEO Joey Wynne has asked the public across the island to get behind the walk.
Donate
Support the trilogy at rorysmiles2mayo.cancerfundforchildren.com or learn more at cancerfundforchildren.com.
Belfast Sunday detail: Rory Best Bangor to Affidea on Love Belfast.
