Runner of the Week: Dublin Front Runners
Each week, profiles one of the runners taking part in the ‘Irish Examiner’ Cork City marathon this June
The Dublin Front Runners (DFR) will be taking part in the Cork City Marathon in June. The LGBT group was set up in 2005 and has 200 members. The group has taken part in runs around the country.
Conor Byrne, events manager with DFR, said the group is looking forward to visiting Cork. “Cork is a fantastic city and quite a number of our members come from the Rebel County, so we thought it was a great opportunity to see another part of the country and get outside Dublin for the bank holiday weekend,” he said. “It’s a chance for members to take part in the marathon, both as individual runners and also as relay teams, while also having a little mini break.”
45 of their members will be running in the marathon. “It will be quite a convoy, heading down for the weekend, and everyone is really looking forward to it,” said Conor.
DFR train three times a week in the Phoenix Park. ”The park really is a great amenity to have and a wonderful place to run. It’s a chance to feel like you are out in the countryside, while still being very close to the city centre,” Conor says. “The group setting is very motivating.”
“The group dynamic makes it a much more supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Everyone is at different abilities and you will always find someone to run. I can’t recommend it enough for fresh air, exercise, and it’s a fantastic way to de-stress.”
He said it is an incredible feeling to complete a goal with the group. “Every year, we do a ‘Couch to 5K’ group to train people up, with the Dublin Pride Run being the end goal. It’s how I started and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s an incredible feeling to achieve a goal, and to then keep going, and set new goals for yourself, is really fantastic,” he says.
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