The Marathon Man

By Ronan Creaney

THE 33rd running of the New York City Marathon takes place this Sunday, November 2, as over 30 ,000 gallant souls take to the streets of the five boroughs. 

In previous years the Irish focus has been on Olympians like Sonia O’Sullivan and Mark Carroll. In fact this year there were high hopes for Carroll, who had bounced back from injury and was preparing nicely for a strong tilt at the race. However his injury jinx struck again and one of Ireland’s most affable athletes was forced to cry off. 

One man’s misfortune is another’s fortune as they say, and the withdrawal of Carroll has thrown the spotlight on a few lesser known Irish runners. One such name is Mike Murphy, who is well known throughout the New York GAA circles. 

While not expected to win the race, Murphy will be hoping to surpass last year’s performance when he posted a credible 3 hours, 13 minutes with little or no focused preparation. 

“Last year was my first so I hope to be better prepared this year,” Murphy told the Irish Voice. This year he has been invited to run with the prestigious Greater New York Racing Team and is currently in the running for team MVP. His goal this year is to run somewhere close to 2 hours and 35 minutes. 

Other Irish runners of note are John Ward from Brooklyn, and from Yonkers, Jackie O’Mahony, Siobhan Kennedy, Rose Dunican, Stephen McDonagh and Ronan Mooney.

Another name to watch out for is Tony Baxter of Shamrocks and 11 United fame. Baxter and his fiancée Joanne are running for the National Autistic Society to help benefit children and teenagers who have difficulties with learning and comprehension.