Since 2011, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has presented this award to a runner or runners who have overcome incredible odds to take part in the marathon or whose inspiring story has powered their marathon journey. Nominations are now open and can be submitted online at irishlifedublinmarathon.ie/lord-mayor-medal. The deadline for entries is Friday, 26th September at 5 pm, and submissions are welcome from all who wish to recognise a runner’s extraordinary journey.
2026 Lord Mayor's Medal Nominations Now Closed. Thank you!
Lord Mayor Award Role of Honour for the Dublin Marathon
2024 – Ger Copeland: Honoured for his inspirational return to running after suffering a stroke earlier in the year. Ger’s determination to take on the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Marathon captured the true spirit of resilience and courage.
2023 Rita Casey: Awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal for her inspirational participation in the Dublin Marathon despite battling cancer. An avid runner and member of An Garda Síochána, Rita completed her fifth Dublin Marathon in 2023.
2022 Collette Sutton: Received the Lord Mayor’s Medal for her determination to run the Dublin Marathon despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Collette demonstrated incredible resilience by taking on the challenge of completing the marathon.
2019 Thirteen Inspirational Runners: Honoured for completing their 40th consecutive Dublin Marathon, 13 runners were presented with the Lord Mayor’s Medal. Billy Kennedy’s volunteer efforts were also honoured, as the only member of the original Dublin Marathon organising committee still to be involved since the inaugural race.
2018 Keith Russell: Received the Lord Mayor’s Medal for running the marathon in memory of his daughter Alanna, who had spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Alanna found joy in being part of the marathon with her father, who pushed in a special-adapted wheelchair. Following her tragic passing, Keith displayed incredible courage and determination by running the Dublin Marathon and raising funds for the respite care centre, which Alana had attended.
2017 Mairead Tywang: Awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal for running her first marathon in memory of her daughter Searlait, who passed away in 2016 after battling childhood cancer. Mairead raised over €50,000 for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, a National Children’s Cancer Charity, by organising races in memory of her daughter and participating in events like the Dublin Marathon
2016 Team Kerr: Made up of David, Sandra, and their son Aaron Kerr, they were awarded the 2016 Lord Mayor’s Medal in recognition of their pioneering efforts in assisted chair running, emphasising the importance of inclusion and togetherness. Aaron has complex medical needs and is a full-time wheelchair user who loves being on the open road in his running chair. Team Kerr first participated in the Dublin Marathon in 2015, as it was one of the first city marathons in Europe to provide entry for assisted wheelchair users.
2015 Kieran McCarthy: Awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal for his fundraising efforts for TLC4CF and Clare Crusaders Clinic. These organisations have supported his family since his daughter Aoibheann was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
2014 John Collins: The Limerick man took part in his first Dublin Marathon at the age of 53 and then completed his 30th Dublin Marathon at the age of 83.
2013 Lavina McCarron: The inspirational Carlow woman took up running after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She completed her first marathon in 2013, exactly two years after life-saving surgery.
2012 David Carrie: A postman from Dunleer, Co. Louth, was awarded the medal as recognition of his achievements in creating Team Carrie with runners from the local Dunleer community. David successfully guided his 952nd marathon runner, most of whom are first timers, over the finish line at the 2012 Dublin Marathon.
2011 Maggie Mullarney, a Parkinson’s sufferer, received the Lord Mayor’s medal for her fundraising efforts for Parkinson’s research at the 2011 Dublin Marathon
Martin Codyre: In January 2011, the Lord Mayor’s 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, Brian Codyre, and friend Conor Galvin pushed him around the course to help him complete his marathon goal.