MARATHON man Dessie McShane has spoken of his delight on completing the ‘big six’ of long distance running.
The final piece of the jigsaw was slotted in when the 57-year-old, who lives in Letterkenny, crossed the finish line in Tokyo.
In doing so he became one of just a handful of Irish athletes to be awarded the Abbot World Marathon Majors medal.
A highly prestigious achievement in running circles, the medal is presented to competitors who make it around the 26 mile circuit in London, Chicago, Berlin, New York, Boston and Tokyo.
The runner said, “Tokyo was absolutely amazing and its people were unbelievable.
Everyone was so friendly and helpful and the city itself was magnificent.
We took a flight from Dublin to Helsinki before going on to Tokyo.
It was a long flight but thankfully it didn’t affect me too much.
“Rather than rest in the days leading up to the marathon I actually went running around the city, doing four miles the day before.”
With preparations over, Dessie stepped up to the finish line feeling only a little nervous.
“Of course I was a bit nervous, it’s only to be expected. But as soon as the starting gun went the nerves settled and I was away, getting my breathing sorted around the two mile mark.”
He crossed the finish line in an impressive three hours and 33 minutes where awaiting him was that elusive Abbot medal.
“I was tired as I crossed the finish line but the thought of getting the medal spurred me on.
“I was presented with my Abbot medal after the race was over and it was a very proud moment to get it. I believe I’m only the sixth person in Ireland to have done it which makes me even prouder.”
In addition to getting the medal the runner also raised close to £6,000 for Foyle Hospice.
The sum took him over the £50,000 mark in terms of what he has raised for the charity over the years.
Despite having the six ‘majors’ under his belt, Dessie said he had no intention of packing in road running.
“Definitely not,” he said.
“I’ll keep on running. I had planned to run the London Marathon again but have decided against it so the aim is to get ready for the Great North Run in September and then Amsterdam in October.”
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