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Earlier this year, a team of runners was recruited to take on the 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon in support of GCN. As the training and fundraising efforts intensify, we caught up with the six individuals taking on the challenge.
Fundraising — Running — Marathon
Matt O’Brien
I’m now (at the time of publishing) one day out from my first race of the year, the Portumna 50k. During training, I hit a small snag with mild tendonitis in my right ankle, but after two weeks off and two weeks easy build, I was happily back running and on plan. All my training for this is done, and now I’m just looking forward to enjoying the race and the atmosphere!
Evelyn Suttle
Training to run the marathon in support of GCN has been going well. In March, I ran the Dublin City Half Marathon and was so encouraged by all the organisations and individuals cheering people on, especially those waving Palestine flags in the lead up to the finish line. I’m very grateful to all the friendly faces who offer high fives to runners, and I feel really inspired to keep training by all the kind people who have donated to the GCN marathon fundraiser so far. I’m excited to include this year’s Dublin Pride Run in my training, which is raising funds for GCN, LGBT Ireland and TENI. It’s a 5km route in Phoenix Park on Friday, June 13. Everyone is welcome to come cheer on participants or donate online to support LGBTQ+ charities.
Michael Stafford
Training is going great! One week was all about 5 for 5—running 5km every day for five days with my running buddy who’s based in Dublin. Each day, we sent each other a quick video update and proof of our run via our apps, keeping us motivated and accountable!
I also recently travelled to Killarney. After a three-hour drive, I could’ve flopped on the hotel bed, but I stuck to the plan and laced up the runners for a 10km loop around Killarney National Park. The weather was fab, the views were even better, and marathon training is still very much ON.
If you’d like to support me, donate via the QR code. Every little bit helps and keeps me motivated when the legs start to complain. Loving the routine, the rhythm, and the accountability.
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 over 25,000 people will descend on the Irish capital with the goal of completing the 42.2km course. Garnering a reputation for 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 per cent 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.
Helen Reid
I’ve just finished the first eight weeks of training and it’s not getting any easier, especially in the heat we are having at the moment! But I’m now up to a 10km distance, which I’m delighted with. Hopefully by the time of the next update, I’ll be running 10km comfortably and be a step closer to marathon day. Thanks for everyone’s support so far.
Rob Kennedy
The training for the Dublin Marathon is going good! My runs are becoming a bit longer each week, and I’ve a plan in place to up the ante as we get closer to the big day in October. I’m also happy with how my fundraising is going so far— I have raised over €500 to date already, and I feel like this will also go up as the marathon draws nearer.
Anthony Kinahan
My training is going well, thankfully. I ran the Dundalk Half Marathon on March 30. I was delighted with my performance. I was hoping for 1 hour 45 minutes and I got 1 hour 41 minutes, so I was thrilled. I was feeling good, the conditions were great, and the circuit was perfect, so all elements conspired for an ideal run.
I ran the Drogheda 10K on May 4, and it also went really well. Despite having a couple of stitches, I still ran a PB of 44:21, which I was happy with.
I am considering running the Termonfeckin Half Marathon on July 13, but no decision has been made yet (watch this space). My fundraising is going ok so far, but still a long way to go!
TO SUPPORT ANY OF OUR RUNNERS, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT BIT.LY/GCNDUBMARATHON2025
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.