MAYO native Declan McManus ran a very impressive race in the United States last month when competing at the Chicago Marathon. Declan, resident in the U.K., but originally from Bonniconlon, clocked a finishing time of 3h18m40s when coming 2590th out of 40,000 competitors. His time was also good enough to see him finish 72nd in the 50-54 year old category.
A late starter to long distance running, 52 year old Bristol based Declan only began running marathon’s five years ago.
“I’ve raced in Dublin, Cardiff and Luton but having competed in the Achill half-marathon last summer, I decided to pass on the opportunity to run in this year’s Bristol half marathon so that I could come over and watch Mayo in the All-Ireland football final,” said Declan.
“The race in Chicago was watched by 1.5 million spectators and it was a wonderful experience. I’d be hoping that other people may look at me as an example and decide that they could take up running as well,” he continued.
Declan, whose wife Mary (nee McIntyre) is originally from Breaffy, Ballina, is a regular visitor to home and has lived in Bristol for 35 years, where he once played football with the Western Gaels GAA club and for the Warwickshire under 21s.
“I’m a member of Westbury Harriers athletic club in Bristol and I’ve trained in good company, Irish members included, down through the years,” concluded Declan, who is already entered for next April’s prestigious Flora London Marathon.
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