One Last Marathon: Dublin To Welcome FTD Brothers For Emotional Finale

For almost five weeks, Ireland has watched Jordan Adams grind through something most people would struggle to comprehend.

Sore legs are one thing. Marathon fatigue is another. But thirty three marathons in thirty three days moves into a completely different category altogether.

Alongside his brother Cian, the FTD Brothers have turned a deeply personal story into one of Ireland's biggest fundraising efforts in recent years.

For anyone wondering where the number thirty three comes from, there is a reason.

Ireland has thirty two counties and Jordan has run every one of them. But the challenge actually began before he even stepped onto Irish roads. Day one saw Jordan tackle the London Marathon while carrying a fridge on his back. Then, less than twenty four hours later, he began marathon number two and set off on a journey across all thirty two counties of Ireland.

That alone sounds difficult enough on paper.

Starting thirty two consecutive county marathons the very next day sounds almost impossible.

Now comes the final chapter.

Thursday will see Dublin host marathon number thirty three, bringing an emotional finish to a challenge that has captured attention right across the country and raised nearly €1.75 million for charity.

The fundraising target itself was already enormous. What followed went far beyond what most people expected. Supporters have joined sections of runs, communities have lined roads and social media has been flooded with encouragement as the kilometres continued to tick by.

The Final Stretch Begins

The challenge now has just two days remaining.

On Wednesday May 27th, Jordan Adams and the FTD Brothers head into Kildare for the penultimate marathon of an extraordinary journey that has carried them through every county in Ireland. Then attention turns to Dublin on Thursday May 28th for the final chapter.

After more than a month of early mornings, tired legs and marathon after marathon, the finish line is finally beginning to come into view.

For many following the journey, Dublin always felt like it would become the natural ending point. The capital now waits for what could be the biggest turnout of the entire challenge, bringing together people who have followed the story from day one alongside those only hearing about it now.

One final county remains before the finish line.

Then comes Dublin.

Dublin Gets The Final Chapter

Thursday now looks set to become much more than marathon number 33.

Jordan's final run is expected to begin at around 10:00am from Woodford Business Park before winding its way through a huge stretch of the capital and eventually finishing at Merrion Square later in the afternoon. Organisers are expecting supporters to gather in large numbers between approximately 2:00pm and 2:30pm for the finish.

The Route & Supporting Jordan: A Grand Tour of the Capital

After leaving Woodford Business Park, Jordan will head south via Turnapin Lane and the Swords Road before passing Morton Stadium and the Omni area and swinging towards Ballymun. From there the route drops through Ballymun and Glasnevin via Ballymun Road and St Mobhi Road before continuing into Phibsborough and towards the city centre.

After leaving Woodford Business Park, Jordan will head south via Turnapin Lane and the Swords Road before passing Morton Stadium and the Omni area and swinging towards Ballymun. From there, the route drops through Ballymun and Glasnevin via Ballymun Road and St Mobhi Road before continuing into Phibsborough and towards the city centre.

There are also some familiar sights for Dublin Marathon runners along the way. The route loops around Henrietta Street before joining the North Circular Road and entering Phoenix Park via the familiar roads many marathon runners know well.

From there it heads through Phoenix Park before crossing back towards Kilmainham and Dolphin's Barn before continuing south towards Rathfarnham, Churchtown, Milltown and Donnybrook.

Again, for anybody who has completed the Dublin Marathon, parts of this route will feel very familiar. Not identical, but familiar enough that runners looking to jump in for a few miles should instantly recognise the surroundings.

The route then swings towards Ballsbridge and Beach Road before heading back towards the city centre along the Grand Canal. The final miles then bring Jordan up towards St Stephen's Green before taking in Grafton Street, Trinity College, Rosie Hackett Bridge and the quays before one final push towards Merrion Square.

👉 View the entire route here

A City Unites

There should be no shortage of places for people to get involved.

The sections around Phoenix Park could provide opportunities for runners wanting to join for a few miles. The route through Ballsbridge and Beach Road should create another strong atmosphere, while Grafton Street, the quays and the final stretch towards Merrion Square could become packed with supporters.

At this stage nobody is talking about pace targets or finishing times anymore.

Some people may decide to run the full marathon. Others might join for a mile or two. Some will simply line the roads and clap as he passes.

After thirty three marathons in thirty three days and nearly €1.75 million raised, Thursday feels less like a race and more like a city turning out for one final push.

Follow And Support The Challenge

Those wishing to support the campaign can do so through the following links:

🌐 The FTD Brothers Official Website
📸 Instagram @theftdbrothers
❤️ GoFundMe Fundraiser
📸 The FTD Brothers Foundation Instagram