Marathon man Billy ready for his 40th!
AN athlete in his 70s from Ferns is hoping to create his by completing his 40th Dublin marathon.
Billy Harpur, who is 72, has competed in every Dublin marathon to-date and hopes to expand his record this year as he sets his sights on finishing his 40th event in as many years.
This year’s event will take place this coming weekend - Sunday, October 27, at 8.45 a.m.
Speaking to this newspaper as he finalised his preparations Billy said he is really looking forward to it.
‘ The entrants are let off in four waves and I will be part of the first wave,’ he said.
‘ The start and finish is in Merrion Square and it’s a fantastic event,’ he added.
He will be one of 13 ‘all-timers’ competing in the race; they are participants who have competed in every Dublin marathon up to now. ‘ There are 12 guys and one woman,’ said Billy. ‘ The female is Mary Hickey from Arklow,’ he added.
Prior to his first Dublin event Billy participated in the Boston marathon and also an event in Tullamore.
A member of his local running club in Ferns since 1971 he has won numerous championship titles throughout his running career.
A lot of members from his club are competing this year so he will be in good company when he crosses the finish line to mark an incredible sporting achievement.
Such is the significance of his marathon success to-date that he was invited to the Mansion House earlier this year for a special reception and also to another event in Trinity College.
He is also mentioned in a new book that has been published detailing the history of the event.