At the start line of the KBC Dublin Marathon, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe presented the Lord Mayor’s Medal to 13 inspirational runners who have taken part in all 39 Dublin Marathons since the race began in 1979. Billy Kennedy’s volunteer efforts were also honoured, as the only member of the original organising committee still to be involved, he also received the honour of the Lord Mayor’s medal.
The 13 inspirational runners who have taken part in all 39 Dublin Marathons includes Mary Nolan Hickey (Wicklow), the only woman aiming to run a 40th consecutive Dublin Marathon. The other runners include Dubliners; John McElhinney, Michael Carolan, Donal de Buitleir, Dominic Gallagher, Martin Kelly, Patrick Gowan and the eldest of the group, Frank Behan who turns seventy-nine next month. Five other counties are represented; Seamus Cawley (Limerick), Seamus Dunne (Meath), Billy Harpur (Wexford), Peadar Nugent (Galway), Donal Ward (Donegal).
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe was honoured to present the medal to the group; “Completing a single marathon is a momentous achievement but completing 39 with the aim of a 40th in sight is a remarkable testament to human will, determination and a true love of running. The Lord Mayor’s Medal is about honouring individuals who have shown true resilience and these outstanding individuals are excellent accounts of this resilience and determination in their respective journeys to complete the annual 26.2 mile run on 39 separate occasions. We celebrate these worthy winners today on the 40th anniversary of what is a truly inspirational and exciting day in Dublin.”
The Lord Mayor’s medal is inspired by the efforts of all who partake in the KBC Dublin Marathon each year and is presented to a runner or runners who have either exceeded incredible odds to partake in the 2019 marathon or have an inspiring story, fuelling their marathon journey.
The specially commissioned medal was first presented to 2009 finisher Martin Codyre, who was involved in an accident that left him paralysed and in need of 24-hour care. His brother and friend pushed him around the course to help him complete his marathon goal.