Brenda receives Lord Mayor’s Medal before Dublin Marathon
Maitiú Monaghan
Brenda O'Keeffe has completed over 650 marathons, but crossing the finish line after last Sunday's Irish Life Dublin Marathon will definitley stand out in the Cavan woman’s memory.
Originally from Harmony Heights in Cavan Town, Brenda started running in 2010, and has ran at all levels including ultra-marathons and 100km treks.
Incurable cancer
Three years ago she was diagnosed with incurable cancer, but that hasn't stopped her from participating in the sport she loves to do most.
Before Sunday's run started, Brenda received the Lord Mayor's Medal from Councillor Daryl Bannon.
Hundreds of people were nominated for the award, but the Brenda received the honour for a running a journey that can be defined best by her incredible determination to overcome, insurmountable courage, and an insatiable love for life.
“I received word that I'd been nominated, I was absolutely thrilled,” she told the Celt.
“When I looked on Facebook, people reaching out, it was unreal. I've no words. I'm just sorry that my father, Dennis, isn't alive to see me, that's the only thing,” adds Brednan, who lives in the UK with her partner Séan Smith.
Recognition
The Lord Mayor’s Medal recognises runners who have managed to overcome extraordinary challenges or whose personal stories that have the ability to inspire others through their own marathon journey.
Fearless Brenda took up running in 2010, discovering a passion that led to her first Dublin Marathon and a remarkable record of endurance thereafter.
Now 46, she became the first Irish woman to complete 100 road marathons, 100 ultramarathons and 100 trail marathons.
Across her incredible running career, Brenda has completed more than 600 marathons.
“I hated running,” Brenda laughs. “I used to go to the Loreto, and they used to have us running around the football pitch- I couldn't stand it.
“In 2010, the mini-marathon was on in Dublin, the 10km. I saw all the ladies coming in with their medals, so I wanted to run it the next year.
“I did it with my sister, and the minute I finished, I signed up for the full marathon.”
Effort
Brenda completed the Dublin marathon the following year. Just five days later, she flew to Germany, where she then completed the Frankfurt marathon.
“I wasn't too tired, believe it or not.
“In 2015 I did 10 marathons in five days out in Howth. There was about 20 of us, I came first, the only lady to finish it,” Brenda told the Celt.
In 2023, Brenda was diagnosed with AL Amyloidosis, a rare, incurable disease affecting multiple organs.
She had been suffering a series of spontaneous and serious bleeds to her neck, liver, and spleen. She spent months in hospital. The longest stint was 39 days with medical experts baffled.
Diagnosis
Brenda’s eventual diagnosis brought with it lengthy hospitalisation, weekly chemotherapy sessions, nerve damage and serious complications. Despite these challenges, running remains an important part of Brenda’s life- a source of purpose, freedom and joy.
Despite having over 650 medals in her collection, one still sticks out most for Brenda.
On Christmas Eve 2015, Brenda and her partner Seán ran home for Christmas, travelling the route from Croke Park to Cavan in roughly 15 hours.
“We started at five o clock in Croke Park and landed in Cavan on Christmas morning. Lorraine O'Neill, the barber in Cavan, she presented me with a medal for cystic fibrosis,” Brenda added.
Brenda has in the past also won the Audience Choice Olly O’Neill Most Inspiring Person 2024 at Outsider.ie.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, described Brenda's journey as a “shining example of courage” for others facing similarly difficult circumstances.
Determination
Speaking last week he said: “Her determination in the face of adversity inspires not just runners, but everyone in our community.
“We are privileged to recognise her achievements and celebrate her at this year’s Irish Life Dublin Marathon.”
Brenda walked Sunday's marathon with partner Seán.
“I always have somebody with me. My partner Seán is a runner, but he's going to walk with me.
“We walked London together earlier this year, and I asked him would he walk this one with me.
“Gerard Coplin, my coach in Dublin, nominated me. Then people I didn't even know had read my story on Facebook and started nominating me.
“All my close friends and family- it was amazing. I'm delighted.”
Inspiring
The nominations for Brenda reflected the impact she has had on people within and beyond the national and even international running community.
One nomination posted online read: “For Brenda, running is more than sport; it is determination, purpose and hope. Her refusal to allow a terminal diagnosis to define her has inspired people far beyond the running community.”
The citation further noted that “Brenda embodies courage, resilience, generosity and an extraordinary love of life. I can think of few people more deserving of recognition with the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Medal.”