Limerick man to extend record of running in every Dublin City Marathon since 1980

THIS Sunday, 11 runners are set to continue their record of running every Dublin Marathon event since 1980, including Limerick man Seamus Cawley.

The 2023 Irish Life Dublin Marathon will be the 42nd edition of the event.  

Reflecting on his favourite Dublin Marathon memory Seamus Cawley, from Rathkeale, said: “I reckon the first one (1980), breaking the three hours by 26 seconds. I was 20 and had loads of energy. I was best man at a friend’s wedding on the Saturday, ran the county Novices (cross-country championships) on the Sunday and then up to Dublin that night for the first marathon the next day.” 

He added: “I also really enjoyed the 40th in 2019 when the 13 of us were honoured with the Lord Mayor’s medal and I finished in under four hours, that was special.”

Seamus is a long-time stalwart of West Limerick Athletics Club, based in Newcastle West. He was club chairman for years and is still serving on committees. He is delighted with the newly opened track (built in conjunction with the County Council) only opened in late September and will be shared by West Limerick and St Mary’s AC.

Running daily, he commented “I have plenty of places to train between the Greenway, the new track and we also have a cross-country course that was put in place locally. These things make a real difference to runners.”

Looking towards the target for the 2023 Irish Life Dublin Marathon he said: “I’d say I’ll be either side of four hours. Last year I was dragging it up to half-way and I could probably break four hours, but you never know until you feel how you are on the day. People ask me how I am going to get on and I say ‘it all depends how I get out of the bed on the morning’.”

Jim Aughney Race Director said, “Running every Dublin Marathon is an impressive feat, and those who have achieved that deserve legendary status.”

Also in the group of 11 is Peadar Nugent (80) who has the honour of being the eldest and he will be joined by the youngest of the group Dubliner Martin Kelly (61).

The remainder of this legendary group are Donal Ward (Donegal), Seamus Dunne (Meath) and Dublin based Donal de Buitléir, John McElhinney, Patrick Gowen, Dominic Gallagher and Mick Carolan. Mary Hickey of Wicklow is now the only woman among the 11.