‘Six majors’ mark running milestone for Athlone native
An Athlone runner has spoken of his 'six majors' marathon experience and the feeling of self-accomplishment in completing each 26.2 mile distance.
The 'Six Majors', recognised as 'world marathon majors', are the Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City and Tokyo marathons. These marathons are considered some of the most prestigious in the world, attracting both amateur and elite runners.
Inclusive of completing the 'Six Majors', Philip Dunne has now completed 217 marathons since he first laced up his runners to complete his first in Barcelona in 2014.
"I marked my 50th birthday by completing my first marathon in Barcelona and I have continued running the distance to this day," Dunne said.
Completing that first marathon 12 years ago planted a seed in Dunne's mind and he has now crossed the finish line on race day on three continents, Europe, America and Asia.
The Milan and Geneva marathons, on April 12 and May 10 respectively, are next on his running radar as he aims to build on his achievements and with no specific target in mind he aims to take his place at the starting line until "my body tells me otherwise" or he is no longer enjoying the experience.
Completing a marathon for so many is a gruelling physical and mental experience, but Dunne said he "loves the challenge" that completing the distance presents.
After crossing the finish line in Barcelona in 2014, the Athlone Athletics Club and Athlone Triathlon Club member reflected on his achievement and recognised that he had the capacity to take on further marathons.
"I love the challenge presented by each marathon distance. When I completed my first marathon in Barcelona I quickly realised that I could embrace that running challenge again. I was able to complete a challenge realistically I shouldn't be able to do, so that spurred me on to run more marathons," Dunne added.
Dunne never has a target time in mind when running the distance. Sociable by nature, he enjoys meeting his fellow runners always running "with my head up" to take in the atmosphere which each marathon presents.
"I like to see what is going on as I run, take in the atmosphere of race day and speak with my fellow runners along each route. You could say running is an excuse to meet people," Dunne stated.
Dunne also enjoys the company of his sister Rosarii while running, both of whom share a strong affinity for completing the marathon distance.
As the marathons started to accumulate, Dunne started to harbour thoughts of completing the 'six majors' and accomplished the first of the famed sextet when running the Chicago distance. It is his favourite 'major' to complete.
"My first major was in Chicago on October 7 2018 and is the one which resonates most. It is a circular marathon route and incorporates a number of ethnic areas within the city. It remains a standout occasion for me to this day," Dunne stated.
In chronological order Dunne completed marathons in London (April 28, 2019), Berlin (September 26 2021), New York (November 6, 2022) and Tokyo (March 5, 2023), achieving the 'six majors' milestone when he crossed the line at the world's oldest marathon in Boston on April 15, 2024, which he described as "quite a thrilling experience".
Dunne still persists at the distance when others would have called a halt at after achieving such a feat. His marathon drive remains firmly in tact.
"My marathon target number continuously changes, but hopefully I will have completed 250 races in 2027," Dunne said.
Perennially positive with his running thoughts, Dunne believes "we all can complete the marathon distance".
"For me, completing a marathon is 90% between the ears. It can be achieved by so many if they put their minds to it and I start every marathon with that mentality," Dunne said.