Historic ‘Radio Run’ Marathon on Tipp FM Raises Over €33,000 for Newport Community Project.

In a unprecedented broadcast, Tipp FM presenter Stephen Keogh made history on Friday, May 23rd, 2025 by completing The Radio Run, a 26-mile marathon run while broadcasting a full live radio show, in support of the Newport Community Project.

Known as The Radio Run, the ambitious event brought listeners along the 26-mile journey, as Stephen ran and hosted The Lunchtime Show live from Newport. It was a mammoth physical and mental challenge made possible by the overwhelming support from the local community.

Stephen was accompanied by local runners, many taking on the full marathon and others joining for 5K, 10K and half marathon distances. The streets of Newport were lined with schoolchildren, families and well-wishers, waving handmade signs, offering water, sweets, bananas and cheering every step of the way, proving, once again, the unmatched spirit of local community in Tipperary.

“This was the toughest marathon I’ve ever run, physically, mentally, emotionally,” said a visibly moved Stephen Keogh at the finish line. 

“I’ve run marathons before, but nothing like this,” said Stephen Keogh. “Trying to keep my pace and remember what was coming up on the show, all while running nearly broke me. But what kept me going was the people. Every time I passed a school or heard a message from local people, I felt lifted. I’ll never forget this day for as long as I live. I believe we highlighted the unmatched impact of local radio in Ireland. It’s not just a platform, it’s a voice, a rallying point, and a lifeline. What we witnessed was the extraordinary power of community storytelling, brought to life in real time.”

The event also included a mystery fundraising twist, a celebrity ‘masked runner’, who kept listeners guessing until the final mile. The big reveal? None other than Tipperary senior hurler Darragh McCarthy, who ran in disguise complete with a flowing red wig and great humour.

“We were blown away that Darragh made time to support this in the middle of Championship season,” said Keogh. “He was a brilliant sport and the wig will live in Tipp FM legend!”

With Tipperary still going strong in the Championship, McCarthy’s involvement added another layer of pride for the Premier County, as sport, radio, and community spirit came together for one remarkable day.

“This was local radio at its finest,” said Tipp FM CEO Ronan McManamy. “It brought people together, told a great story, and helped a brilliant cause. Tipperary showed up, loud and proud. The event was a living, breathing example of the power of local radio in Ireland."

Tipp FM would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Newport Community Project, along with every donor, supporter, volunteer, and runner who helped make The Radio Run such an unforgettable success. A special thank you goes to the team of local athletes who ran the distance alongside Stephen, pacing him through the tougher miles and sharing the journey on-air.