Blood, sweat, and tears: Cork City Marathon runners speak movingly about what drives them on

Tom Murphy from Wicklow admits he found it hard to go through with the event finding out that both his grandmothers had just days to live.

“When I first signed up for the marathon it was for myself,” the 23-year-old said. 

“However, in the last few days I was literally told that both of my grannies are on death’s door. I only heard on Friday and I travelled down to Cork yesterday. 

It felt like both of them were with me today and they got me through this.

I wanted to finish the marathon as quickly as possible so I can get home and get a smile out of them. 

“To see them smile and at peace would make me really happy.” 

Tom elaborated on the important role they have played in his life.

“My parents come from a working class background and both of my grannies always made sure I had everything I needed. I really did it for them today. They kept me going and made sure I got over the line.” 

Hearing the distressing news about his grandmothers came as a double blow for Tom.

“They are both critically ill. One has been placed on oxygen. My other granny is in the last stage of a disease that only one in a million people get. 

“This is my first ever marathon and I’ve got through it all. I honestly believe it was because of them. Hopefully, I’ll be able to show my grannies the medal.” 

Tom was determined to make the event a positive experience.

“I left home at 15 to play professional football in England with Everton. The last time I was here was playing for the youth international side of Turners Cross so I’ll be sure to make this another good day. 

“I think everyone has that self-doubt but as you cross the finish line you know your hard work has paid off.”

Local support for the runners 

Corkonians played a crucial role in boosting overall morale, with thousands lining the streets to cheer on the athletes. Some households availed of garden hoses to cool participants down while waving colourful homemade signs to express their well wishes. 

Support along the route was also palpable, creating an unforgettable experience for athletes.

The sights came as a welcome boost for many participants who had struggled over adversity in recent years.  Aaron Horan from Ballymun, who completed the marathon with a time of 3:10, spoke through broken sobs as he described the life changes that led him to participate in the event.

“Where I come from you’re not supposed to do this type of thing,” he said. 

“I grew up playing sport, played to a fairly high level but I went down a really bad road for 10 years. I was drinking too much and was around the wrong people. 

“The turning point came when I got knocked out in Dublin’s city centre eight years ago.

I ended up in hospital and nearly died. This was a wake-up call for me and I decided to turn things around. 

Mr Horan pinpointed the moment of truth that led to his decision to change his life and start running marathons.

“I decided one day that enough was enough. I had been told that I would never play football or compete in sport again but I wouldn’t take no for an answer. 

“I wasn’t having it so I went in search of answers. I spent nine months in rehabilitation. Starting off I couldn’t do 5k. I did my first marathon in 2022 after being told that I would never do this.”

The health and performance coach said his issues pale in comparison to those suffered by so many others.

“Life is going to kick us all in the face at some stage. If you can pull yourself through a struggle like suffering through a marathon, then you are better equipped to deal with struggles in life. This is making me resilient. It is giving me a hard shell.“ 

Meanwhile, Mark Murphy from Carrigaline who is a member of Eagle Athletic Club and had a time of 2:53, opened up about his poignant reason for becoming involved in marathons.

“I started running around 12 years ago for my goddaughter Béibhinn O’Connor. She was born with a heart defect and we were raising funds for her surgery. 

“At that stage I was 16 stone and I got the running bug from there. Sadly, Béibhinn passed away three years ago. 

“Every time I’m running I’m thinking about Béibhinn. 

When Béibhinn was born I was 16 stone drinking pints and smoking cigarettes. She inspired me to change my life. 

Her parents are one in a million and although Béibhinn is gone I will always be her godfather. That’s something that makes me very proud.” 

Trevor Casserly was also participating in the event to raise funds for Galway Hospice.

The idea was set in motion in memory of their dear friend Cathal Haynes who passed away unexpectedly last August at just 39. Trevor and his friends, along with Cathal’s family, are determined to achieve their goal of running in seven marathons in seven months as part of the initiative.

“We played hurling together all out lives,” Trevor told the Irish Examiner. 

It was a tough time for all of us and this has stopped us from slipping into a dark hole. It was a great way of getting us all out.

Cathal’s former teammate Barry Hanley added: “Cathal was always number seven when we were playing hurling and we called him “the seven.” 

“This is why we’re all sporting that number today. We are doing this in memory of Cathal and his brother TJ — who is running today — and other family members.” 

Cathy Hartley Coleman from Douglas dedicated her run to her six children.

“I am a mother of six children ranging from 17 right down to the age of four. I have a treadmill at home and make the time for these things to happen. 

“I had a chest infection and my husband wasn’t sure I should the marathon.  

However, when my 10-year-old looked at me and said ‘You’ll do it, won’t you mum?’ This is what got me motivated.