What is the Lord Mayor’s Medal?
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.
The presentation of the award has become a special part of Marathon day, highlighting an event that for 45 years has been built on miles, carried by stories, and powered by people.
Nominations for the 2026 Lord Mayor Medal have officially closed, and the winner will be announced shortly. Thank you for hundreds of great nominations highlighting countless extraordinary marathon runners.
2026 Lord Mayor’s Medal Nominations Now Closed. Thank you!
Lord Mayor’s Medal Role of Honour for the Dublin Marathon
2025 Kevin Stynes: Dublin native Kevin Stynes was awarded the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Medal as he prepared to run his 42nd and final consecutive Irish Life Dublin Marathon at the age of 85.
Kevin completed his first Dublin Marathon aged 43 and has used the event to raise funds for worthy causes ever since. Since 2000, inspired by the birth of his granddaughter Rachael with Down Syndrome, he has dedicated his fundraising to Down Syndrome Ireland, raising vital funds and awareness. His remarkable commitment and community spirit led to his selection following hundreds of public nominations.
2024 Ger Copeland: At the start line of the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Marathon, Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan presented the Lord Mayor’s Medal to Ger Copeland, a worthy recipient, for his inspirational return to running after suffering a stroke earlier in the year. A well-respected figure in the local running community, Ger has faced formidable challenges this year, suffering three brain haemorrhages and a stroke. Despite these obstacles, Ger has displayed unwavering strength and determination, undergone active recovery, returned to running with remarkable vigour and will take on the challenge of completing the 26.2-mile challenge. Ger’s determination to take on the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Marathon captured the true spirit of resilience and courage. Watch his inspiring video HERE.
2023 Rita Casey: In 2023 Rita Casey was awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal for her inspirational participation in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon despite battling cancer. An avid runner and member of An Garda Síochána, Rita completed her fifth Dublin Marathon in 2023. Rita Casey from Mayo, centre, with, from left, Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Daithí de Róiste, and husband John Casey.
2022 Collette Sutton: The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Caroline Conroy, left, presents the Lord Mayor’s Medal to worthy recipient Collette Sutton, who, despite a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, will take on the challenge of completing the 2022 Irish Life Dublin Marathon. Collette received nearly 30 nominations from family and friends for this award, a testament to her bravery and resilience in overcoming her diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. As an avid runner, she spent most of 2021 unable to walk. She was determined, though, not to let it hold her back, and she slowly started running a mile at a time so she could once again experience the joy of running. 2022 was her third, having run it in 1982 and 1986.
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 such as 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.
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.