GOING THE DISTANCE

Earlier this year, a team of runners was recruited to take on the 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon in support of GCN. With many months of training and fundraising ahead, we introduce you to the six inspiring individuals lacing up their shoes for the ultimate endurance challenge.

Charity fundraising has always been at the heart of the Dublin Marathon, with over €9 million raised each year by the amazing participants. The 2025 race takes place on Sunday, October 26, when as many as 25,000 people will descend on the Irish capital with the goal of completing the 42.2km course.

Garnering a reputation of being the world’s friendliest marathon, it is also the only one that goes through Dublin City Centre, as well as many of the surrounding suburbs. What lies between the start and finish lines is a gruelling mental and physical battle, which is why, according to a survey from the International Institute for Race Medicine, only about 1% of the global population successfully conquers a marathon in their lifetime.

It certainly is no mean feat, but it is one that six runners are prepared to take on in 2025 to raise vital funds for GCN. With your support, their efforts will go towards ensuring the sustainability of the organisation as a free, independent media resource for the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and beyond.

Without further ado, meet Evelyn, Matt, Michael, Helen, Anthony and Rob.

EVELYN SUTTLE

I live in Dublin and have worked for climate justice, human rights, and animal rescue. After volunteering with wildlife rescue and habitat conservation, I see the importance of sharing knowledge and hope that a different world is possible. After reading and learning and unlearning from GCN for years, I want to support this essential resource so that GCN can continue to inspire others.

TO SUPPORT ANY OF OUR RUNNERS, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT BIT.LY/GCNDUBMARATHON2025

From there, select the fundraiser you would like to donate to. Every contribution, big or small, will make a huge difference in helping our team reach their fundraising and fitness goals, all while supporting Ireland’s LGBTQ+ media. To follow along with the runners’ journeys, keep an eye on GCN’s social media, where we will be sharing all the latest updates.

MATT O’BRIEN

I’m a personal trainer turned civil servant, and I’ve been running on and off since 2020. GCN has a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. Back in 2022, my partner Róisín and I started a fundraiser event called Pride Nails to raise money for LGBTQ+ youth. While we did this, my sister-in-law wrote a couple of articles for GCN about us, our journey and what we were doing with Pride Nails. GCN gave me a voice to express myself and part of my journey along with my partner when I wasn’t sure how to go about doing it by myself. This allowed me to open up in a way I hadn’t before, and it made me feel a whole new level of pride and comfort in myself and who I am.

This year, I want to use all my crazy running to help raise funds for GCN. I’ll be kicking offin June with my first ever ultra 50k race in Portumna Forest, Galway, before taking on the Waterford Viking Half Marathon and Valentia Island’s Sprint Triathlon in Kerry. Finally, back in my hometown, I’ll be running the Dublin Marathon. I am greatly honoured to be able to run for GCN, and I hope to do them proud and raise as much as I can to help support and grow the charity.

MICHAEL STAFFORD

I’m originally from Dublin and now living in Wexford with my husband, John. Running has become a huge part of my life—not just for the physical challenge but for the sense of freedom, clarity, and resilience it brings. It’s where I find space to reflect, push my limits, and reconnect with myself. Whether it’s a quiet morning run by the sea or the buzz of race day, running is my way of embracing both discipline and joy.

I’ve decided to run the Dublin Marathon for GCN because visibility, inclusion, and community matter. GCN has been a vital voice for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland, fostering connection and celebrating diversity. Running 42.2km is a challenge, even harder while living with long Covid, but it’s nothing compared to the resilience of those who have fought for equality and representation. This is my way of showing support, raising awareness, and giving back to a community that deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated—a community that I am very proud to be part of.

HELEN REID

Just before the 2024 Dublin Marathon, I got this idea that I should run one before I turn 40. This was a great idea, I thought, that was until I saw how much training I actually had to do. Now that I have a place with GCN, I am committed to my goal of finishing the 2025 Dublin Marathon.

I decided to run for GCN because representation and visibility matter, and they provide a crucial role in educating and entertaining our community. By raising these funds, I hope to ensure GCN continues to thrive and celebrate our queer culture. I hope if you are reading this, you will support myself and the other runners who are running for GCN.

ANTHONY KINAHAN

I am a 43-year-old actor and theatre-maker based in Drogheda, Co. Louth. I am also an LGBTQ+ and climate activist, both through my work and personal life. I am the chair of Outcomers Drogheda, ran YesEquality Louth and was a volunteer for many years for the MarriagEquality organisation.

I ran the Dublin Marathon in 2022 and am really looking forward to running it again—this time for GCN. I am running it for GCN as I am very appreciative of all the support the organisation has shown for my performance work and Outcomers Drogheda in the past, and I am happy to be able to give something back by fundraising for the marathon.

ROB KENNEDY

I’m a Waterford native living in Dublin, and I am so excited to run the Dublin Marathon with GCN! Running a marathon is a powerful way to challenge myself, and doing it on behalf of GCN and the LGBTQ+ community is going to be so rewarding. It’s a chance to represent both my personal journey and hopefully put a spotlight on our wonderful community.