Joe McCarthy Is Calling on Ireland to Lace Up This October for a Great Cause

If your October fitness plans currently consist of promising yourself you’ll “get back into it after the summer” and then absolutely not doing that — here’s something that might actually stick. Down Syndrome Ireland has just launched its 2026 Purple Run, and Irish rugby star Joe McCarthy is on board to help get the whole country moving.

The Purple Run is a month-long virtual marathon challenge running throughout October, which also happens to be Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The idea is simple: walk, jog or run a total of 42km across the 31 days of October, at whatever pace suits you. That works out at just under 1.4km a day — or roughly a brisk turn around the block while the kids are at school. Very manageable, even on a Tuesday morning when everything has already gone sideways before 9am.

Joe McCarthy and his brother Andrew are leading the charge

Leinster and Ireland rugby player Joe McCarthy launched the challenge alongside his brother Andrew, who has Down syndrome, and members of Down Syndrome Ireland. It’s a genuinely lovely partnership, and the two of them clearly mean every word of it.

“I’m always proud to stand alongside Andrew and support Down Syndrome Ireland,” said Joe. “The work they do to empower people with Down syndrome across the country is incredible. The Purple Run isn’t about setting record pace — it’s about community, inclusion, and getting active together.”

Andrew McCarthy was equally enthusiastic about getting people involved. “I’m delighted to launch the Purple Run with Joe! Staying active and being part of a team is so important to me. Getting involved is a fantastic way for families, friends, and colleagues to get out in the fresh air and make a big difference for people with Down syndrome.”

Where the money goes

Every euro raised through the Purple Run will go directly to funding Down Syndrome Ireland’s services across the country. DSI works with people with Down syndrome at every stage of life — from early intervention and speech and language therapy right through to inclusive education, employment support and future planning. With a national office and 25 branches around Ireland, it’s an organisation that touches thousands of families in a very real way.

The funds raised aren’t going to some abstract pot somewhere. They go towards the kind of everyday, practical supports that make a genuine difference to people’s lives — the sort of thing that families with a child with Down syndrome will know is absolutely invaluable.

How to get involved

You can take part as an individual, as a group, or rope in your school, workplace or community. There’s genuinely no reason not to — it’s flexible, it’s for a brilliant cause and frankly, having a structured reason to get outside every day in October is exactly the kind of low-pressure motivation most of us need when the darker evenings start creeping in.

Everyone who signs up will receive a limited-edition Purple Run running top, a tracking calendar to log their kilometres and access to the Purple Run community Facebook page, which is worth its weight in gold for keeping you going on the days when the sofa is calling.

• Walk, jog or run 42km throughout October

• Take part solo, with friends, family, a school or a workplace team

• Receive an exclusive Purple Run running top and tracking calendar

• All funds raised support Down Syndrome Ireland’s services nationwide

You can sign up and find out everything you need to know at purplerun.ie.