GRAND GRAN
Collette, 74, on course to be the first Irishwoman to go distance and complete 1,000 marathons
NICK BRAMHILL
A GRANNY is on course to make history by becoming the first Irishwoman ever to complete 1,000 marathons.
BY
Collette O’hagan, 74, has set her sights on recording her 1,000th official 42.2km run in October’s Dublin Marathon – the same event where she first ran the distance back in 1990.
The grandmotherof-10, from Dundalk, Co Louth, has gone on to clock up a phenomenal 965 marathons.
Despite being a somewhat reluctant athlete when she first took up the sport at 40, in the last four-and-ahalf years she hasn’t missed a day’s running. Since turning 70 she has recorded 100 official marathons every year, 2023 being particularly impressive when she ran 6,000 miles in total.
The mum-of-five’s latest challenge which kicks off today will see her aim to complete 12 marathons in 12 days at an event in Waltonon-thames in the UK.
She said: “I didn’t really like running when I first took it up and it took me quite some time to get into it.
“But after a while I bought a couple running magazines and started to follow a training plan, and that was it, it became a huge part of my life from then on.
“I’m so glad I stuck with it, because I absolutely love it now, and couldn’t imagine not doing it. I run every single day and it’s kept me fit and healthy.
“It’s been very good for me mentally, too. I’ve fostered 80 children over the years and looking after kids is very challenging, as is running.
“But when I get out for a run, I can solve a lot of problems in my head. I describe it as my happy time.”
Aside from all the official marathons she’s finished, Collette has also notched up at least another 100 virtual events – but cannot count these as they cannot be officially verified.
Collette still sticks to her somewhat surprising, but tried-and-tested diet of chips and a glass of red wine.
She added: “I know nutrition is a big thing for most runners, and I completely get that. My big treat after a marathon is to have a glass of red wine and a bowl of chips with vinegar on them. It’s a ritual I have, and I love it and it’s worked OK for me.
“But now I’m on target to become the first Irishwoman to run 1,000 marathons, and it’ll be very emotional.
“I’ve every intention to keep on running into my 80s, and maybe even my 90s, if my body allows me to.”
I’ve every intention to keep on running into my 80s and my 90s COLLETTE O’HAGAN ON HER LOVE FOR MARATHONS