Students Celebrate Achievement at Marathonkids Final Mile 2024

Last week the 2024 Marathonkids Dublin Final Mile event took place at Morton Stadium on Tuesday, November 12th, and Wednesday, November 13th. Over 4,000 students from more than 70 schools across Fingal and Dublin City gathered to mark the completion of their Marathonkids challenge. In total 33 schools and 3,500 students from across Fingal participated in this year’s programme, with a majority coming to Santry to complete the final mile of the 26.2 miles.

The event was a vibrant display of determination and enthusiasm as children from local schools participated in the final mile of their marathon journey, which they had worked towards over the past 8 weeks. Marathonkids is an initiative to encourage young people to get active, promote physical fitness, and foster a sense of achievement.

Fingal Mayor Brian McDonagh praised the event, stating, “This event was the culmination of weeks of hard work and dedication by students, teachers, Fingal County Council Sports Office and Marathonkids. It was a testament to the passion for sport and physical activity that thrives in our community, and it was fantastic to see the smiling faces of the children as they crossed the finish line."

A highlight of the event was the attendance of Marathonkids Brand Ambassador, David Gillick, who was on hand to congratulate the young athletes, distributing finisher medals and taking photos with students to commemorate their success. The event also saw the presence of Dublin Marathon Race Director, Jim Aughney, who joined the celebrations to cheer on the students and show their support for the programme’s positive impact on the local community.

"This event truly demonstrates the power of sport and physical activity to bring people together, inspire young minds, and foster a sense of community," said David Gillick. "It’s fantastic to see so many students so excited to finish their marathon journey, and I’m proud to be a part of such an incredible initiative."

The Marathonkids Dublin Final Mile was made possible through the collaboration of local authorities, schools, and Marathonkids Ireland, playing key roles in ensuring the event’s success. The participation of 70+ schools reflects the widespread enthusiasm for the Marathonkids challenge and the importance of promoting active lifestyles among young people.

Jim Aughney, Race Director of the Dublin Marathon, also expressed his support, saying, “The Marathonkids programme aligns perfectly with our mission to promote running and fitness for all ages. Seeing these students complete their final mile today is a testament to their dedication and perseverance, and we hope this experience will inspire them to continue being active for years to come.”