Recovering dad has skin in the game

A leading skincare brand is supporting a father and recovering addict in his bid to become the first Irish man to complete one of Spain’s most demanding ultra-endurance challenges.

Christopher Connolly, known online as Get Better with Chris, is running the entire length of mainland Spain in just 23 consecutive days.

Having set off on Monday from Tarifa in southern Spain, the Dublin dad will be supported and protected every step of the way by Irish skincare brand, Elave Apothecary Skincare.

Over the coming weeks, Chris, who overcame severe alcohol and cocaine addiction, will run more than 1,500km to Cap de Creus on the country’s eastern coast, covering an average of at least 65km every single day, with zero days off.

The challenge will see Chris cross 11 provinces, climb more than 11,000 metres, and cover the equivalent of approximately 36 marathons over the 23-day journey. Elave’s fragrance-free, sulphate-free, and dermatologically tested products will form part of Chris’s daily routine as he faces prolonged exposure to the elements.

“Chris’s challenge is an incredible test of endurance, and we’re thrilled to be supporting him as headline sponsor,” says Joanna Gardiner, CEO of Elave Apothecary Skincare.

“We have always had a strong connection with people in sport and active lifestyles, so this partnership felt like a really natural fit for Elave. Chris will be putting his body through an extraordinary physical challenge, and his skin will be exposed to everything from intense sun and heat to long hours outdoors, so we’re proud to be able to support him with the care he needs throughout the journey.

"We’re incredibly excited to follow Chris and to be part of what is set to be an unforgettable challenge.”

The route will take Chris through Andalusia, Murcia, Alicante, Valencia, Castellón, Tarragona, Barcelona, and the Costa Brava, with the landscape changing dramatically every few days.

And alongside the physical challenge, Chris plans to use the journey to explore the human stories he encounters on the road, opening up conversations around mental health, addiction, failure, resilience, family, purpose, and what keeps people going when things get difficult.

To keep up to date with Chris’ journey, check out his Instagram, GetBetterWithChris.