By 
MARION O’Donnell from Derrytresk has a very unique medal collection after completing a half-marathon in every county of Ireland.
The first run of 13.1 miles was in Armagh on Valentine’s Day and so began a journey, the length and breadth of the country, finishing in Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon.
During her epic challenge Marion and her children Barry (10) and Eabha (9) enjoyed wonderful weekend breaks and got to see the many beautiful sights of Ireland.
A local craftsman carved a map of Ireland that sits proudly in her living room adorned by a medal representing every county.
With three nights a week working as a nurse she “had to make time” for the challenge.
“I took up running three years ago and it is a big part of my life,” said Marion. “I was taking part in 5k runs mostly and decided I could go a bit further. In February I ran a half-marathon in Co Armagh and it was amazing. I just got the urge to do a half marathon in every county in Ireland.”
She got in touch with running clubs and Athletics NI and RunIreland.com to find out when the runs were taking place. “There are hundreds of runs throughout Ireland so I have many to choose from. Some weekends I did two runs such as in June when I ran Longford Canal on the Saturday and the next day Wexford. Three weeks later I did Tullamore, Co Offaly and Clonmel in Tipperary on consecutive days.
“I put a lot of time and planning into it. I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t feel the benefits. Over the summer it turned into family holidays and the children were in places like Achill Island in Mayo, Cork and Waterford. It was great for them. The laughs and stories and friends along the way were incredible. There is a great camaraderie among runners.
“I ran in places like Dingle in Kerry where I stopped to savour the scenery in some of the most idyllic parts of Ireland. There is a story behind every medal”.
Marion thanked her own club Derrytresk Runners and coach Maura Brooks, who went on five of the runs, as well as avid runner Brendan Woods from Coalisland who joined her for the run in Cavan.
Fermanagh did not have a half marathon but members of Knox Running Club organised the run, complete with water stations so that Marion could fulfil her dream. Ten other local runners joined her and they presented her with a medal.
Marion is not resting on her laurels and will take part in the Dublin marathon at the end of the month. However she is also savouring a fabulous achievement.
She added, “I would promote running to everyone. It is good for the mind and for sleeping and of course the body. It makes me very happy.”
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