Wicklow “Marathon Virgin” Ready for Big Day

Frank is one of 13 (unlucky) marathon first timers selected from hundreds of applicants from around the country back in April by leading Irish Marathon runner and Coach Gary Crossan to be part of the adidas Dublin Marathon Virgins team.

Frank only started training back in May, though had been doing some running before that. He met up with his fellow “Virgins” back in May for the first time, where he had training sessions on core work and Pilates, nutritional advice, and was given a training programme by Gary Crossan.

But the hardest part of Marathon is the actual weekly running – and that is very much up to Frank himself – and he is a well known site now pounding the streets around Wicklow Town.

Since then he has completed all three of the adidas Race series in the Phoenix Park – the 5 mile, 10 mile and most recently, the half-Marathon.

Frank completed the half Marathon, the biggest test of his training so far in a very impressive 2:05

“The weather was poor but I was very happy with the way I ran. It was a tough course, very hilly” said Frank

He’s now in the final preparations for the big one on the 30th.

“The Half Marathon was great preparation for the 'big one'. I expect the final two weeks to be tough, but I have a lot of support built up between coach Gary, the Virgin team and my family & friends. The marathon has really taken over my life now and any support I can get is great. Getting over that finish line will be amazing; I can already feel the emotion.”

Frank is doing the Marathon for the Irish Cancer Society and Wicklow Cancer Support.

“Both charities provide a huge amount of support to patients & their families and as a cancer survivor I appreciate the role these charities play and want to raise as much funds as possible for them. Any donation is really appreciated” said Frank

Any one wishing to support Franks great cause can contact him on 087 2862461 or call into Wicklow Travel, Main Street, Wicklow. There will be a sponsorship card available there.