Collette O’Hagan, a grandmother from Louth, Ireland, has completed her 900th marathon and has set her sights on completing her 1,000th in Dublin next year. Despite running for over 30 years, O’Hagan has always shunned superfoods and special diets, preferring a more simple approach to eating. The 73-year-old likes to indulge in a glass of red wine and vinegar-soaked chips after a marathon, saying that protein bars and shakes do not work for her.
O’Hagan started running marathons in 1990, before the superfood craze took off, ensuring that she survived on chocolate and other simple snacks during the event. While she may indulge in the occasional glass of wine and chips, she still eats healthily, and follows a balanced diet with a moderate consumption of chocolate.
The woman from Dundalk has also fostered 80 children alongside her husband, Larry, and has 10 grandchildren. O’Hagan is an inspiration to many people who think that age is a barrier to participating in athletic events, and she proves that it is never too late to pursue your passions. O’Hagan has set herself a goal to complete her 1,000th marathon in Dublin next year, and she believes that the camaraderie she experiences and the friends she has made through running have been a major source of motivation for her.
O’Hagan ran her 899th marathon on Saturday night at Baronscourt Estate in Omagh, Northern Ireland, followed by her 900th the next day. She was elated after completing the 900th marathon, and said it was a fantastic way to celebrate her love of running.
While O’Hagan has completed 100 virtual marathons, she does not count them towards her total. She prefers to count only the marathons that can be officially verified, as she puts a lot of work into training and preparation for each race. She has even run half-marathons and 10k events while wearing a cast after suffering an injury.
O’Hagan’s love for running and staying fit is undoubtedly an inspiration for everyone to stay active and healthy, regardless of age. Her dedication to the sport and her ability to achieve such an incredible milestone is a testament to the idea that anything is possible if you work hard and stay focused. The community of runners worldwide applauds her achievement and looks forward to celebrating her 1,000th marathon in Dublin next year.
