Summary
The Dublin City Marathon draws a diverse group of runners, each with their own motivations and experiences. Participants reflect on their journeys, emphasizing that regardless of finishing times, the achievement of completing the 26.2 miles is what truly matters. Many runners, including those from local clubs, share their personal stories of triumph and challenge, highlighting the camaraderie and support that define the marathon experience.
Among the runners, Simon Kelly from Plant Based AC recounts his struggle with an injury that affected his time, while Mossy O'Mahony celebrates a personal best despite facing tough conditions. Laura Fleming, an emergency nurse at the event, provides insight into the challenges faced by runners, noting the impact of the weather on performance. Other participants, like Brian Kelly and Owen O'Brien, share their experiences from marathons in Amsterdam and Dublin, respectively, discussing the importance of community support and the emotional highs and lows of race day.
Anthony Creed stands out for his unique achievement of running the marathon in full American football gear, successfully breaking a Guinness World Record while raising funds for motor neuron disease. His story, along with those of other runners, encapsulates the spirit of the marathon—perseverance, community, and the shared joy of crossing the finish line. The episode concludes with a call to celebrate all marathoners, regardless of their finishing times, reinforcing the notion that every runner's journey is worth sharing.
Show Notes
Episode 65 of the Middle of the Pack podcast is a post-marathon roundup from Dublin City Marathon 2026. Runners and volunteers share honest race recaps — from PBs and tough windy miles to world-record attempts and fundraising for charity. Hear reports from guests including Simon Kelly, Laura Fleming, Mossy O'Mahony, Brian Kelly, Eoghan O'Brien and Anthony Creed, plus reflections on club support, crowd energy and the lasting feeling of crossing the finish line. glendaloughtrail.ie and fightingblindness.ie. Show Merchandise : https://unbound.ie/search?q=Motp
More from Middle of the Pack Podcast
A solo episode about handling taper week four days before the Dublin Marathon: what to expect physically and mentally, why rest and sleep matter, and how to avoid trying anything new.Practical race-day advice on pacing, fueling, logistics and mindset—bank sleep, trust your training, break the marathon into chunks, pack warm clothes, and enjoy the crowds.
Episode 63 features David Gillick — elite athlete, RTE commentator and author of The Race — sharing practical advice for middle-of-the-pack runners. He discusses his shift to longer distances, race-day tactics from the Manchester Half, pacing his wife at the Dublin Marathon, shoe choices, fueling with gels, and how to trust your training during the taper.Simple, human conversation about preparation, mindset, and racing smart for anyone building toward a half or full marathon.
Eoghan O'Brien of Dublin Frontrunners shares his running journey from struggling 5Ks to training for the Dublin Marathon while fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society in memory of loved ones. The episode highlights the club's welcoming community, practical advice on shoes, orthotics and fueling (including caffeine gels), and the motivation that keeps all middle of the pack runners going.Eoghan Fundrasining Page https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/EO99188211 Merch Link: https://unbound.ie/search?q=Motp
Episode 61 features Catherine Harris (Insta RunCoachCath) sharing her running journey from casual 10Ks during COVID to marathons and ultras, and how she became a coach focused on educating everyday runners. She covers practical race-day advice — pacing strategies, pacer selection, fueling and gel timing, shoe choices — and offers specific tips for Dublin marathoners and prep for Chicago. The episode highlights coaching philosophy: simple, achievable plans that teach runners to become confident and independent over time.
Episode 60 of The Middle of the Pack podcast features Brian Kelly from Dublin Frontrunners as he prepares for the Amsterdam Marathon, sharing his late-start running story and how club life transformed his social life and training. Brian covers marathon training routines, long runs and tapering, fueling strategy and gels, race-day expectations, and the social support that helps make marathon prep manageable and enjoyable.