It would be hard to imagine the Dublin City Marathon setting off without adopted Galwayman Peadar Nugent at the start – and finish – line. Because quite simply, it’s never taken place without him.

It’s a record that the 81-year-old will maintain again this weekend when he takes part in the 43rd actual running of the race.

In fact he has run more Dublin City Marathons than the actual event itself because, when the race for real was postponed in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid, Peadar kept up his perfect record by running the distance virtually – meaning he has 44 runs compared to the official 42.

The first year, he ran it within the 5k restriction around his home place in Moyvilla, Oranmore, and a year later around Esker in Athenry, when the rules were more relaxed.

And now he’s all set for to be among the 22,500 entrants at the start of the 43rd Dublin Marathon this Sunday.

“At 81 years of age, I am the eldest of the nine participants – eight men and one woman – who have completed every running in the preceding 42 outings,” he says proudly.

“Advancing years have not lessened my enthusiasm or anticipation for taking part but they have dictated how I have prepared this year.

“I have cut back the mileage and, despite my best efforts, it’s now taking me longer to cover the successive miles than just this time last year,” he adds.

Caption: Peadar Nugent and Athenry AC training partner Máire Treasa Beatty after completing last year’s Dublin City Marathon.

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