A gran who has run nearly 700 marathons all over the world says the Dublin race has a special meaning for her.
Collette O’Hagan, 70, will be pounding the streets in our capital city on Sunday – and it was her first marathon here 30 years ago that set her on her prolific path.
The mum of five – who has 10 grandchildren and also fostered more than 80 children – said: “My running journey started in Dublin. I never looked back. I do love Dublin.
“The spectators are amazing, they bring you through it, they are just fantastic.
“Some of the women are out and ask do you want a cup of tea, they are so friendly.
“It is like a day out nearly going around Dublin it is just fabulous, I’d say it will be a massive big party day on Sunday.”
“It has special meaning and definitely is one of my favourites.”
When Collette started three decades ago there was a small crowd but now she is hitting the 26-mile route with 22,500 others. This weekend’s event will be her 695th marathon and by the end of the year she will have exceeded 700.
Collette, from Dundalk, Co Louth, has run all of the major events around the world including Boston, London and Chicago. She said: “I owe a lot to Dublin for getting me going and for my running journey.”
She began running with her husband Larry but her interest in it, and doing running longer distances, outlasted his.
The inspirational gran gets a lot out of her sport and her advice is to “stay focused, keep yourself motivated and enjoy it”.
Collette’s focus is to enjoy the marathon which she aims to complete in around five hours.
She said: “I don’t push myself that I’m stressed, if you are stressing your body all the time, stress will bring on an injury.”
And 2019 is particularly notable for Collette with her 70th birthday and golden wedding anniversary to celebrate.
She said: “This is a special year, a lot of milestones this year and my ambition is to continue running and see how far the journey takes me.”
