Like many clubs throughout the country Trim AC will have a record number of members taking part in this years Dublin City Marathon. The special 1916 - 2016 commemorative medal and the first running of the race on a Sunday have been factors in the huge increase in Irish entries for this years event.

Here are a few profiles penned by the athletes themselves which outline their aspirations, expectations and  motivations for running and particularly for marathon running. 

Best of luck to everyone taking part. Get home safe. 

Special thanks to those who took time out to give us an insight into their marathon experience so far.

More updates from the afters when the energy levels return.

 

SEAN MURPHY

Name: Sean Murphy

Age: M45

No of years running: 10 (genuine effort for the last 6!!)

No of marathons completed: 23 (10 in Dublin)

Motivation for running the DCM 2016: To challenge myself to complete the race a few seconds faster than I have done previously. Also, to run the second half faster than the first for once.

Other comments: "The supporters are super but remember YOU still have to run the 26.2 miles"

 

HEATHER CARTY

Hello my name is Heather Carty I am lucky enough to live in a beautiful town called Trim and honoured to be a member of our local running club Trim AC.  I joined Trim AC I think January 2011 a total raw green newbie.  Ciaran Tobin took me under his wing it was literally from a zero base lampposts to lampost !!!!!! He got me up and running and he also introduced me to a new running world of friends .

I ran my first Dublin Marathon 2012 and followed up with another one in 2013, 2014,  2015, and please god will be at start line 2016.  I have had so many fantastic races 5ks 10ks half's ten miles 3ks cross country track great adventures.

I think though the reason I toe the line at Dublin is I love Trim delighted to live here settled in and loving it but every October I go up and spend a few hours running round the streets of the county I was horn in Dublin. The streets I walked to school the bus routes to sone of my jobs the streets I walked to pubs on just a little walk or should I say run down memory lane. Good luck everyone and enjoy.xx

 

Tony Ryan

This is my 6th marathon. I have been running for many years on my own but joining the Trim Athletic Club 18 months ago has helped me run faster and smarter. As life can be very stressful running helps my mental health greatly.I really enjoy the inspiration of club members acting as both a motivation and support
 

The marathon experience is totally unique especially in Dublin.The cheering and support of Dublin folk is captivating and is why Dublin is known as the "friendly marathon"-no other marathon in my opinion matches the Dublin experience
 

Completing a marathon gives me the joy of having attained  a  true accomplishment; unlike any other sport there is the potential of getting faster as you get older. There is also the inspirational experience of running beside both seasoned athletes and those with disabilities with the entire age spectrum represented 

  DON MAHON

Running 7 years now initially after losing 4 stone in weight joined Trim AC in September 2009 and loved the feeling of running & even more with my local club who had brought me on so much by training in groups on our club nights & weekends.

Starting off from running 5k upwards.
My 5th Dublin marathon this year 1st one back in 2010 & did Berlin 2015 & Rotherdam 2016. So this will be my 8th marathon overall.

I have ran 3 Dublin marathons for Charities which inspires & motivates me so much that I'm doing it to help other people two for Cystic Fibrosis & one for a local girl Lorraine O' Brien in 2015.

I get so much motivation and advice from running with our club runners & enjoy listening to ways of improving each year.

It's tough but love the buzz & support not only from our own club runners but the local support from surrounding clubs and the people that line the streets in Dublin each year has to be one of the best in the world.

 

MARK BOSHELL

• Running for just over 4 years now

• Started running in summer 2012

• Completed my first 5k by September and first 10k by November

• Started training for half marathon

• Joined Trim AC in January 2013 and managed my first 1/2 marathon in March with a time of 1:52

• Completed my first Dublin City Marathon in October 2013 with a time of 4:37 (loved every minute of it)

• Completed my second DCM in October 2014 with a time of 4:27 (hated this race)

• I am doing my third DCM in October 2016. Planning for approx 4hrs finish time

• For 2017 my plan is to push myself in more 5k / 10k races and support the local events more

 

 

LOUISE HAYES

This is my 3rd marathon. All DCM. I began running in 2012. We are supporting Cycle Ataxia this time around and previously raised €4000 for Irish cancer society. I've no real motivation for taking it on this year apart from having the craic with my large 'running family' from trim AC and Summerhill. I won't be breaking any landspeed records but hopefully will get to the finish line and collect my medal! Oh and a long sleeve too...I love them!

ANITA ROGERS  GEAROID ROGERS MARY CARR

 

Anita Rogers her husband Gearoid and her friend Mary Carr will take part in the 2016 Dublin City Marathon to help in the continuing care required for Anitas nephew James McBride

They are trying to raise money to help with the 24*7 care that will be required for baby James Mc Bride when he gets out of hospital. James has been in hospital since his birth 6 months ago and has already undergone kidney surgery, open heart surgery and an emergency tracheotomy. James is still on a ventilator to help him breathe which requires 24*7 care. He will require further re-constructive surgery to widen his airway when he is 2-3.

 

 

DAYLE JOHNSON

I have been running for 2.5 years. When I started running, I joined Trim AC (April 2014). I have completed 5k, 10k, 10 mile and half marathon races but the Dublin marathon will be my first ever marathon. 

I decided to run it to raise money for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and because it is a personal challenge. I have raised over €1500 for this cause.