Irish runner Brenda O’Keeffe, 46, has completed another Dublin Marathon while undergoing chemotherapy for a rare, incurable disease, extending her extraordinary record of more than 600 marathon finishes.
On October 25, the County Cavan athlete received the Lord Mayor’s Medal at the starting line of the 45th Irish Life Dublin Marathon. She went on to finish the 42.2-kilometre race in six hours, 43 minutes and 56 seconds.
Dublin Lord Mayor Daryl Barron presented the award following hundreds of nominations recognising extraordinary achievements and inspiring personal journeys. The medal has honoured exceptional marathon participants since 2011.
O’Keeffe began running in 2010 and became the first Irish woman to complete 100 road marathons, 100 ultramarathons and 100 trail marathons. Her career total has since surpassed 600 marathons, an exceptional endurance record that she continues to build while receiving medical treatment.
She lives with AL amyloidosis, a rare disease that causes abnormal proteins to accumulate in organs and interfere with their function. Her condition has required hospitalisation and chemotherapy, with nerve damage and other serious complications documented by marathon organisers.
Speaking to Extra.ie, O’Keeffe revealed that she was preparing for a fourth round of chemotherapy after returning from Dublin. She described receiving the Lord Mayor’s Medal as a major boost ahead of treatment.
Her achievement also drew praise from Barron, who recognised her determination and the inspiration she has brought to the running community.
During the event, O’Keeffe encouraged fellow participants to focus on completing the race regardless of their finishing times.
“No matter what, just get to the finish,” she told Irish broadcaster RTÉ.
Her successful finish added another milestone to a running career spanning 16 years. With another round of treatment ahead, O’Keeffe remains determined to continue pursuing the sport she loves.
“I’ll keep going to keep the dream alive,” she said.
