Donegal Half Marathon director recalls work and vision of the late Dessie Larkin

The work of the late Dessie Larkin in helping to establish the Donegal Half Marathon in 2014 was recalled this week by race director, Brendan McDaid.

“Originally, it was Dessie who came up with the idea of the Donegal Marathon along with Paddy Hannigan. After the first couple of years, it was decided to go with the half marathon only and 10 years on, we are delighted that the half is still going strong,” the race director commented.

“Dessie said he wanted the event to be known as ‘the people’s race’ and we have done our best to hold true to that aspiration.

“Dessie and Paddy had great vision – that’s how it all started. Dessie then approached Damien Daly from the Kernan Retail Group to see if they would be interested in getting involved and lending some support. 

Mary Larkin, wife of the late Dessie Larkin, pictured in 2019 with Donegal Half Marathon Ambassador, Danny McDaid, holding the Dessie Larkin Perpetual Shield which is presented to the overall winner of the Donegal Half Marathon. Also included are Damian Daly, Kernan's Retail Group who are the main sponsors of the Donegal Half Marathon, committee members Brendan McDaid, Eunan Kelly, Paddy Hannigan and Neily McDaid, and Mary's sister, Sharon Black

“They kindly agreed and have been the main sponsor for the last number of years. Dessie also got Donegal County Council and Donegal Sports Partnership involved. Having the backing of those organisations made it much easier to pull the race together and gave us at Letterkenny Athletics Club the confidence to get involved and be part of it.

“We have a hardworking committee which is made up of individuals from different backgrounds who bring different views – having that mix on the committee is crucial to having different views and perspectives.

“We cater for the fun runner, the social runner, the club runner and the elite and that is why the race continues to attract large numbers. The buzz for us as a committee is seeing hundreds of people coming to Letterkenny and taking their place on the start line on race day. The success of one year gives us the get-up-and-go approach to get ready and prepare for the following year.

This year’s Donegal Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, August 25, in Letterkenny. The event will have a 9.20 am start and race headquarters will be based at the Aura Leisure Centre.