Last Updated on 24/06/2025 by caroline mcauley
Running in Jeans – the Local Challenge Turning Heads for a Great Cause
Forget high-performance lycra — this year, local menswear store Street Life has launched a bold and brilliantly unexpected challenge: running official races in denim jeans, all to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer UK, their chosen charity of the year.
No Shortcuts
Declan Leung from Athletics NI
The idea started with a simple Facebook post asking if anyone would run the Comber 10K in jeans. But when ultra runner Declan Leung from Athletics NI got in touch, it quickly escalated — and soon, he was signed up to take on the full Belfast City Marathon in a pair of Hattric Ultra Flex jeans, testing the German brand’s bold claim that their denim is flexible enough to run in.
The result? A sub-4-hour marathon, no chafing — and the first time, it’s believed, anyone has run a marathon in jeans in Ireland. Now, the campaign is gathering pace.
The difference
Dovydas Pliauga from Ballydrain Harriers
Last weekend, Declan returned alongside local Ballydrain Harrier, Dovydas Pliauga to complete the Comber 10K in sweltering heat, both wearing jeans.
“Running felt like doing squats in a sauna,” joked Dovydas. “But fair play — they were surprisingly comfy. No chafing at all! Still absolutely worth it to support Prostate Cancer UK. Great day, great cause, slightly sweaty jeans.”
This Friday, local Joel Harrison will continue the #JeanRunner challenge at the Ards Half Marathon, keeping up the fundraising and awareness momentum.
With strong support from the community, local running clubs, and in-store customers, the campaign has brought energy to an important cause — and it’s not over yet.
Donations can be made in-store or online via Street Life’s JustGiving page, with every penny going to support the work of Prostate Cancer UK.
