Runner of the week: Claire Callanan

Claire Callanan will be honouring the memory of her parents by running in this year's Cork City Marathon, writes Denise O'Donoghue

Claire Callanan from Cork will be running in her first marathon this year.

She has previously taken part in the relay at the Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon both in 2008 and last year, but this year she is going the extra mile and completing the full 26.2-mile run.

Despite storms and snow, Claire has been out training in all weathers to prepare for the marathon in June.

She has found the advice of her other half, who has completed a marathon already, very helpful in the run-up to the big day.

"My husband did the Dublin marathon a few years ago and he said it was a great feeling when he had finished it. I’m hoping to get the same buzz,” she said.

Training has been going well for Claire, who is looking forward to the physical challenge.

“It’s not too bad, my husband has been helping by writing out plans and goals. I’ve been meeting my weekly running targets.

“I’ve never run more than five miles before so we’ll see how this goes.”

Claire has been pushing herself to go for a run every evening.

“You have to go out, despite the weather. Even though the marathon is in June the weather could be awful. It could be lashing!”

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Claire has a number of personal reasons for taking part in the full marathon this summer.

“I suppose I want to see am I capable of finishing a marathon.

“It probably has something to do with me turning 40 this year so that’s why I’m doing it,” she said.

Claire will also be running the marathon in June to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

She has taken on the challenge to honour the memory of her parents as well as raise money for the charity.

“Both my mum and my dad have passed away from cancer,” she said. “It’s a cause that’s very close to my own heart.”

The money Claire raises will help fund life-saving cancer research, support, and services provided by the Irish Cancer Society.