A unique club of eleven will line up at the start of this weekend’s Dublin Marathon with each member having competed in every edition of the race since 1980.
The eldest of them is Athenry AC runner Peadar Nugent who has completed the course of every one of its 42 stagings.
Peadar, (80 ) has the honour of being the eldest in the group 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 Cawley (Limerick ), 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.
Peadar is originally from Killimer, Co Clare but he was based in Dublin for 35 years – as a registrar in the High Court – and lived in Meath for most of that time until his retirement in 2004 when he moved to Galway.
He was already involved in athletics when the Dublin Marathon was founded in 1980 – competing as a for Dunboyne AC (of whom he is a life member ), and now he is also a life member of Athenry AC.
On training into his 80 Peadar told the Advertiser that he has changed his training routines over the years.
“I’m not doing anything near the miles and training that I used to do. What I try to do now is jog and walk alternately, I jog downhill which I find easier.
“I’ll have done 2x20 miles before this year’s race. I’m still competitive and focussed. On Saturdays I push myself to my limit on a long session, but I take it easy the rest of the week.”
His favourite Dublin Marathon memory was in 1992.
“It was the only time I broke three hours. I did it in 2:58 and it was my 13th Dublin Marathon, unlucky for some but not for me.
“I always remember my son, who was 15, shouting at me coming up Grafton Street, with just over a mile to go “You’re going to do it!” (break three hours ) and I shouted, “I know I am”
Peadar Nugen, feels it is the support on the Irish Life Dublin Marathon course that makes the event so special.
“The Dublin Marathon really is the friendly marathon. All the people who staff the drinks tables all the way around and all the volunteers at the start and finish are marvellous.
“They’re all so full of great spirit and encouragement. No matter how miserable you might be feeling during it they always say, ‘you’re looking great!’ and that really gives you a lift.”
Jim Aughney Race Director said, “Running every Dublin Marathon is an impressive feat, and those who have achieved that deserve legendary status.”
