TRAINING is in full swing for Conor Mahon, who’s preparing to run the Edinburgh Marathon in May
The Dumfries NHS worker will be putting his best foot forward in aid of Age Scotland.
He chose the charity as his job in mental health, and volunteer work in a care home, made him aware of the challenges facing older people, including the high levels of loneliness and isolation affecting so many.
“When I was studying at Dublin City University, I volunteered at a local care home, where my grandfather happened to be a resident,” he explained. “I’ve always had in mind the idea that I wanted to give back to an organisation working with older adults.
“I know about some of the issues affecting older people and about the post-Covid-19 impact of loneliness. These issues are even more evident in areas like Dumfries and Galloway. Finding services and social opportunities to meet people can be quite challenging. Older people’s loneliness and isolation were at the forefront of my mind when I signed up as a fundraiser.”
And he is hoping to raise at least £1000 to support the charity’s work delivering services, information, friendship and activities to older people across the country.
For Conor, 32, who grew up in Dublin and moved to Dumfries in 2021, completing the Edinburgh Marathon is unfinished business. He signed up to take part in 2018 but sustained an injury during training and had to pull out of the race.
“Taking part this year is coming full circle. I’m being very strict with myself, very regimented,” he said. “I’m following a Runners’ World 16-week programme with the aim of running the marathon in under three hours and 15 minutes. I’m taking my post training recovery very seriously too, with plenty of stretches and time in the hot tub. I’m not taking any risks this time.”
With six weeks to go this time, Conor’s training is going well. He is enjoying running along the cycle paths and banks of the River Nith, taking in the scenery, adding: “It’s a great part of Scotland to run. I’ve got to know every part of Dumfries very well.”
To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/edimarathon2025
