A Claddagh man is planning to make his mark in the Big Apple this coming November when he takes to the streets for his 18th consecutive New York City Marathon in aid of local heart and stroke charity Croí.
This is the fifth year in a row that Tommy Holohan has taken on the challeng for Croí, but he has participated in the New York Marathon every year since 1996 and he isn’t planning on stopping now.
Tommy explained: “I am going on 62 and it feels great to be this healthy at my age. For me, running is life, the buzz is unbelievable, and nothing compares to it.”
As far as he is aware, Tommy is the only man, outside the US, who will hold the record for completing 18 consecutive New York City Marathons. Even though the 2012 marathon was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy, Tommy still took part in a marathon run in Central Park and received his finishers medal.
Speaking about running in aid of Croí, Tommy said: “I have run for a number of charities in the past but when I started running for Croí I haven’t looked back. They are a great local organisation making a real difference to the lives of people affected by heart disease and stroke.” Running is in the family with Tommy’s father being a cross country runner in the Irish and British military. “I guess I was inspired to run from him,” says Tommy, who adds that running doesn’t have to be a solitary sport and feels that it is a great way for families to keep fit and enjoy active time together. “My aim is to have my two sons join me for my 20th New York Marathon in two years time,” said Tommy, a self-employed painter.
Each year Croí organises a package to bring approximately 20 runners and walkers to each of the major marathons around the world including Berlin, New York and London. To join Tommy and Croí for the New York Marathon or for more information on Croí marathons please visit www.croi.ie or call 091 544310.
