Frank Conroy at the Dublin Marathon finish line with his son Ben.
81-year-old Frank Conroy from Co Wicklow not only completed the Dublin Marathon last weekend, but won his age category, despite having broken his collarbone eight weeks before the event.
Frank is a well known character in his hometown of Lacken, west Wicklow and sets the perfect example of showcasing that age isn’t any barrier to achieving whatever targets he sets for himself.
He was joined by his son Ben Conroy, who lives in Dublin, for the start of the 26.2 mile test, which always takes place on the last Sunday of October.
Frank was determined to take part despite suffering a fall from his bike only eight weeks ago, which broke his collarbone. Despite that considerable set back, Frank went on to win his age category (M80) with a time that was five minutes faster than he achieved last year. He finished in a time of 4 hours and 55 minutes to win the men’s 80 and over category for a second successive year.
At the finish line Frank was full of praise for the support he received from his family and the Blessington Striders Athletic Club, who have provided him with great encouragement over the past few years.
Frank is a regular sight taking to the local roads of the Sally Gap on his bicycle and returning along the Wicklow Gap, during the regular early morning cycles he takes while most of our heads are still wearily resting on our pillows. Until recent years, he was also a regular attendee of the local boxing club, where he could be spotted beating away at the boxing bags.
He has vowed to continue to stay as active as possible and he may well have his sights set on competing in the 2025 Dublin Marathon as well.
