On Sunday, the Irish Life Dublin Marathon saw participation from over 22,000 people, including noted actor Colin Farrell. Completing his run in a little past four hours, the 48-year-old Farrell had Emma Fogarty, a 40-year-old living with a unique skin disease called epidermolysis bullosa (EB), accompany him for the final 2.5 miles of the course in her wheelchair.
Farrell has been familiar with Emma for several years and admires her for her fearlessness, determination and strength. Following the completion of his run, he mentioned that her suffering far outweighs any physical exertion from the marathon, and it was an incredible experience to have her join him for the closing stretch of the run, with each remaining kilometre reflecting a decade of her life.
In this year’s event, the Dublin native was successful in raising over €700,000 for Debra, a national philanthropic organisation that provides assistance to those living with EB.
This year’s marathon took a slightly different route, beginning on Leeson Street Lower, crossing the Liffey River near Heuston Station, passing through Stoneybatter and the North Circular Road, and entering Phoenix Park. Subsequently, it crossed the Liffey River again, heading down the South Circular Road, Dolphin’s Barn and the city’s suburbs before reaching the finishing point on Upper Mount Street.
Amongst this year’s participants was 46-year-old Ger Copeland from Howth who had endured three brain haemorrhages and a stroke following a skiing incident earlier this year. Despite having run 300 marathons previously, Copeland, who finished this year’s marathon in a time of 3 hours and 6 minutes, described the race as a deeply emotional experience. Post his injuries, he had been advised he would never eat, walk, see or hear once more. He had to relearn everything from the start and yet he was able to participate in the marathon.
Bearing constant pain and surviving on 20% functionality of the organs on his right side, Mr Copeland suffers from Horner syndrome in his left facial side, which has left him partially blind. Regardless, he was determined to fight through his predicament, whether he had to use a zimmer frame or poles for support. Never one to aim for his past self, he instead sought to exceed any possible expectations.
Earlier this morning, he was awarded the Lord Mayor’s medal at the starting line by none other than the Lord Mayor of Dublin himself, James Geoghegan. Keen to maintain his usual lifestyle, Mr Copeland stated his intention of celebrating with his customary treats: a batter burger and a Diet Coke.
There had been adjustments in the route in response to concerns about pregnant women making their way to the National Maternity Hospital on Holles Street. James Geoghegan expressed his resolution to locate an alternative venue that retains Dublin’s unique spirit, while enhancing the atmosphere. Boasting of a vibrant finish at Mount Street, he asserted that, despite ongoing review, the event had been successful once more. For him, it embodied the true nature of Dublin.
Meanwhile, Moses Kemei from Kenya emerged as the champion of the Dublin marathon, clocking in at 2:08.47. The female winner, Asmirach Nega, set a new course record with her winning time of 2:24.13.