My first marathon was during the Killarney Ironman in 2021. That gave me confidence to take on harder events, and the need for a new goal. I had plans to travel when pandemic restrictions eased, so I looked for something that would work well with that. I researched events in extreme locations like Antarctica, and discovered the Seven Continents Club: the small group of people who have run a marathon on every continent. More people had been to space and ten times more people had summitted Everest than had ever done this.
The Antarctica Marathon began in 1995, sailing south on old Soviet oil tankers to run a tough course along research station supply trails. Nowadays the event is more official, using expedition cruise ships and doing more while there. There’s an award ceremony on the ship for those completing their seventh continent, so I knew Antarctica should be my final one. The race had a three year waiting list, so I booked it and started to plan which races I would do.
1. Europe
Rome, Italy
27 March 2022
04:23:53
My first official marathon, and an introduction to big city races. Rome felt chaotic due to the huge crowds, cobbled streets, pacers, music and sun. I started too fast and held on longer than I should have, before the heat slowly broke me down. The final 10km felt like a fight for survival, relying on aid stations and any shade I could find. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a necessary introduction to what marathon running actually demands. It took 30 minutes in the shade to feel okay after, which made the road ahead look pretty terrifying.
Read my full article here.
2. North America
Vancouver, Canada
01 May 2022
04:27:18
Vancouver is my favourite race. A clean, fast course through the city and along the seawall. I found a nice rhythm with my friend Conall for most of the race, but I did drift in the second half as I again struggled with heat. I loved seeing huge bridges and skyscrapers, plus the support on the route is incredible, but it didn’t fully distract from what was again a fight to finish. I have lots of friends in Vancouver so this trip was a long overdue catchup with them. Great memories that only exist because of this goal.
Read my full article here.
3. Oceania
Auckland, New Zealand
30 October 2022
04:45:27
Auckland was also defined by weather but this time wind, rain and flooded roads. A big storm threatened the start by delaying ferries, but I made it to the line and awaited the countdown in ankle deep water. I spent two months in New Zealand and was constantly blown away by epic landscapes. This race day had none of that. Just an absolute slog with soggy shoes, enjoying any moment where the clouds parted and rain softened. A lesson in self motivation and chafing that I’m proud to have powered through.
Read my full article here.
4. Asia
Chiang Mai, Thailand
18 December 2022
04:56:49
A night marathon following the ancient walls of Chiang Mai. The race started at 2am to avoid the heat, but it was still uncomfortably humid. The start is unreal, with the city walls glowing under dim red lights. We ran along rivers and long dark stretches where staying awake was part of the challenge. Two months in South East Asia had me used to the heat, but I struggled with fitness towards the end. The rising sun gave a nice boost of energy at least, making for a memorable finish where I was one of the only international runners.
Read my full article here.
5. Africa
Marrakech, Morocco
29 January 2023
04:45:26
Marrakech was a great experience, reuniting with my parents after what had been my longest time away from home, and joining a big group of Irish runners for the race. The aid stations had watermelon and sultanas which made me feel fresh, and even though marathons are always tough, I was able to enjoy a lot of it. The route is mostly quiet roads well outside the city, with a nice breeze (if a little dusty at times) to help with the temperature. Aside from the race this was a great trip from busy medinas and the giant mosque in Casablanca, to the Atlas mountains and a night in a Berber camp in the Sahara.
Read my full article here.
6. South America
Salento, Colombia
03 November 2024
07:40:25
Easily the toughest marathon I’ve ever done. Salento was more of a mountain expedition than a trail race, with over 3,000m of climbing, river crossings, and muddy trails that were hard to follow. Thin air at altitude and steep descents made running impossible at times. It was brutal from the first kilometre, but made for some lasting memories. Mairéad ran the 10K and we had a hotel with a jacuzzi for after. We overlooked the mountains of one of the most famous coffee regions, with the world’s tallest palm trees overhead. This one nearly broke me, but if it couldn’t then nothing can.
Read my full article here.
7. Antarctica
King George Island
25 March 2025
05:38:22
The final continent and the reason for this whole project. A hurricane almost cancelled everything, but with luck on my side we made it. I felt like a navy seal as we boated to the start line, for a race that rivalled Salento in difficulty, but had better supporters in the form of penguins. We raced on rough tracks that joined the research bases, doing laps from Russia to China, via Chile. The two week trip became so much more than just a race. Learning all about Antarctica, meeting incredible people, and even kayaking on every continent while I was at it. This was a truly special trip, easily one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Read my full article here.
Seven Continents Club
31 March 2025
100 people started the race in Antarctica. Of these, 81 people finished and just 16 of us were on our final continent. Our award ceremony was done aboard the Ocean Albatros at the mouth of the Beagle Channel, just south of Ushuaia in Argentina. It was an incredible moment.
