Irish Life Dublin Marathon

The race was founded in 1980 by a group led by Noel Carroll, who persuaded the Business Houses Athletic Association (BHAA) to take up the idea. In the first year, 2,100 took part, of whom 1,420 finished. Dick Hooper of Raheny club Raheny Shamrocks AC claimed first place, in a time of 2:16:14. The women’s winner was Carey May who finished in 2:42:11. That year’s runner-up was Neil Cusack, who returned in 1981 to post a winning time of 2:13:59..