Ciaran keeps family marathon legacy alive for MS Society

WHEN Castlederg man Ciaran O’Loughlin lines up at the start of the Dublin Marathon this Sunday, it will mark his 13th consecutive year tackling the course, a remarkable family tradition that began more than four decades ago.

Ciaran (40) is running once again in support of MS Society Research, continuing the legacy started by his father, Pat O’Loughlin, who is now 88 years-old.

Pat ran in the very first Dublin Marathon back in 1980 and went on to complete 40 marathons, missing only one when he was confined to a hospital bed.

“Dad started running for MS about 20 years ago, after a close friend’s son was diagnosed,” Ciaran said. “It’s become a bit of a tradition ever since, and it means even more now, as more people in the Castlederg area, including some of my own friends, have been diagnosed with MS.”

Ciaran’s fundraising page has already raised £637 of his £1,000 goal.

Despite his marathon streak, Ciaran laughed that running still doesn’t come naturally.

“I don’t have a natural love for running,” he admitted. “But what keeps me going when things get tough is thinking about the incredible generosity of people who sponsor us every year. It’s amazing how kind and supportive everyone is.”

Ciaran’s first marathon remains one of his most cherished memories.

He decided just weeks before the race to join his dad and his father’s longtime running partner, Jennie McMenamin, thinking it would be a special experience to share, and maybe help his mum worry a little less.

“Jennie used to wear a t-shirt with dad’s picture and a message like ‘Cheer for Pat on his 35th marathon'. People would come up to us mid-race to congratulate him, it gave us a great boost,” he recalled.

During that same run, as they passed through Phoenix Park, an American runner came over to chat.

“He told dad well done, and when he heard it was my first marathon, he said to me, ‘Enjoy your dad, son. I lost mine last year.’ That moment really stuck with me. I felt so lucky to be there, running alongside him.”

Not every year has gone smoothly. Last year’s marathon ended with a fainting episode that saw Ciaran break his nose and lose a tooth after finishing!

“It wasn’t the ideal post-race experience,” he joked, “but it makes for a good story now!”

There have also been unforgettable highs, like during the pandemic, when he ran the Dublin Marathon virtually around Castlederg with his friend Tom McHale.

“It felt like half the town was out supporting us at different stages. It was really lovely, that kind of local spirit keeps you going.”

This year, Ciaran said he’s better prepared than ever.

“In previous years, the marathon always seemed to sneak up on me, and I’d end up winging it. This time, I planned my long runs early and stuck to them. Seeing friends on Strava putting in the miles definitely helped, and added a bit of pressure too!”

He added that running helps build empathy.

“When I’m struggling during the race, I often think about people living with MS. A friend of mine was diagnosed very young and used to take injections before football matches just to play. It really puts things into perspective.”

For Ciaran, the most special moment each year is after the finish line, meeting his family, showing his dad his medal, and getting that all-important photo together.

“It always sinks in properly when I cross the finish line, meet mum and dad, show him my medal, and get a photo together. I know it makes us both proud, and I know how much it means to him. It’s a lovely moment to share, and I’m hoping there’ll be many more to come."

He credits his family, friends, and the people of Castlederg for their endless encouragement.

“The generosity of friends, locals, and even people online is genuinely amazing. Every year, I’m left shocked and humbled by how much people donate," Ciaran stated.

"The running community is incredibly supportive too. Castlederg has its fair share of running heroes who’ve raised huge amounts for charity, like Liam McHugh. It’s also brilliant to see the running scene grow, with more social clubs popping up, like the Cool Runnings Castlederg club. It’s great to see people from all walks of life getting involved, running really is something everyone can be part of even if you’re not the fastest, and it’s lovely to witness that spirit in action," he added.

His advice for anyone thinking of taking on a marathon?

“Just give it a go. It’s a truly fulfilling experience. Make sure you’ve done the training, but don’t stress about your time, plans rarely go perfectly, and that’s okay. Everyone gets the same medal and t-shirt, no matter when they cross the line!

And when it’s all over?

“I’ll let out a big sigh of relief and be thankful its over, hopefully find my family soon after as they are always at the finishing line waiting for me, and get that all - important photo with dad and the medal. And then, fingers crossed, a lovely pint of Guinness to celebrate!"

To support Ciaran’s fundraising for MS Society Research, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ciarano2025