The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is now accepting nominations for the prestigious Lord Mayor's Medal. Since 2011, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has presented this award to a runner or runners who have overcome incredible odds to take part in the Marathon or whose inspiring story has powered their marathon journey.
To nominate a runner for the Lord Mayor’s Medal, simply complete the nomination form here before October 5th at 5pm. Anyone can nominate a participant whose journey deserves recognition for courage, perseverance, or inspiration.
With the 45th running of the Dublin Marathon on the horizon this October, Dublin Marathon Group continues to recognise the impact of those who define the event’s spirit, and the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Award is central to this ongoing commitment. The award presentation has become an important moment on Marathon day, highlighting an event that for 45 years has been built on miles, carried by stories, powered by people, and celebrated through the inspiring stories of its runners. Each year, the presentation offers an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journeys that define the Dublin Marathon.
At this year’s event on Sunday 25th October, a special nominee will join an increasingly distinguished group of previous honourees whose stories have inspired not only runners but also the wider community.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, said: "The Lord Mayor’s Medal is one of the city’s most meaningful honours, not only because it celebrates athletic achievement, but because it recognises the courage and humanity shown by our marathon community. Every year, these stories remind us what Dublin is truly about, resilience, generosity, and coming together as one city. I encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate someone whose journey has inspired them. Your nomination could help shine a light on a story that uplifts our entire city."
Last year's recipient, Kevin Stynes, truly represented the resilience and compassion that defines the award. A Dublin native aged 85, Stynes was honoured with the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Medal on the morning of his final Irish Life Dublin Marathon. From the start, he dedicated each marathon to raising funds for worthy causes, but his efforts took on a deeply personal meaning in 2000, when his beloved granddaughter Rachael was born with Down Syndrome.
Stynes’ selflessness and community spirit led to hundreds of public nominations and his recognition as a Lord Mayor’s Medal recipient.
Other recent and equally inspiring recipients include Ger Copeland (2024), honoured for a courageous return to the event after a stroke that year, and Rita Casey (2023), who was completing her fifth Irish Life Dublin Marathon despite a battle with cancer.
These remarkable stories of courage, resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the incredible human spirit at the heart of the Dublin Marathon.
Lord Mayor Award Role of Honour for the Dublin Marathon
2025 – Kevin Stynes: Recognised through hundreds of public nominations for his commitment and fundraising to Down Syndrome Ireland in honour of his granddaughter Rachel. Stynes was awarded the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Medal as he prepared to run his 42nd and final Irish Life Dublin Marathon at the age of 85.
2024 – Ger Copeland: Honoured for his inspirational return to running after suffering a stroke earlier in the year. Ger's determination to take on the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Marathon captured the true spirit of resilience and courage.
2023 Rita Casey: Awarded the Lord Mayor's Medal for her inspirational participation in the Dublin Marathon despite battling cancer. An avid runner and member of An Garda Síochána, Rita completed her fifth Dublin Marathon in 2023.
2022 Collette Sutton: Received the Lord Mayor's Medal for her determination to run the Dublin Marathon despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Collette demonstrated incredible resilience by taking on the challenge of completing the Marathon.
2019 Thirteen Inspirational Runners: Honoured for completing their 40th consecutive Dublin Marathon, 13 runners were presented with the Lord Mayor's Medal. Billy Kennedy's volunteer efforts were also honoured, as the only member of the original Dublin Marathon organising committee still to be involved since the inaugural race.
2018 Keith Russell: Received the Lord Mayor's Medal for running the Marathon in memory of his daughter Alanna, who had spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Alanna found joy in being part of the Marathon with her father, who pushed in a special-adapted wheelchair. Following her tragic passing, Keith displayed incredible courage and determination by running the Dublin Marathon and raising funds for the respite care centre, which Alana had attended.
2017 Mairead Tywang: Awarded the Lord Mayor's Medal for running her first Marathon in memory of her daughter Searlait, who passed away in 2016 after battling childhood cancer. Mairéad raised over €50,000 for Aoibheann's Pink Tie, a National Children's Cancer Charity, by organising races in memory of her daughter and participating in events like the Dublin Marathon
2016 Team Kerr: Made up of David, Sandra, and their son Aaron Kerr, they were awarded the 2016 Lord Mayor's Medal in recognition of their pioneering efforts in assisted chair running, emphasising the importance of inclusion and togetherness. Aaron has complex medical needs and is a full-time wheelchair user who loves being on the open road in his running chair. Team Kerr first participated in the Dublin Marathon in 2015 as it was one of the first city marathons in Europe to provide entry for assisted wheelchair users.
2015 Kieran McCarthy: Awarded the Lord Mayor's Medal for his fundraising efforts for TLC4CF and Clare Crusaders Clinic. These organisations have supported his family since his daughter Aoibheann was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
2014 John Collins: The Limerick man took part in his first Dublin Marathon at the age of 53 and then completed his 30th Dublin Marathon at the age of 83.
2013 Lavina McCarron: The inspirational Carlow woman took up running after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She completed her first Marathon in 2013, exactly two years after life-saving surgery.
2012 David Carrie: A postman from Dunleer, Co. Louth, was awarded the medal as recognition of his achievements in creating Team Carrie with runners from the local Dunleer community. David successfully guided his 952nd marathon runner, most of whom are first-timers, over the finish line at the 2012 Dublin Marathon.
2011 Maggie Mullarney, a Parkinson's sufferer, received the Lord Mayor's medal for her fundraising efforts for Parkinson's research at the 2011 Dublin Marathon
Martin Codyre: In January 2011, the Lord Mayor's medal was first presented to 2009 finisher Martin Codyre, who was involved in an accident that left him paralysed and in need of 24-hour care. His brother, Brian Codyre, and friend Conor Galvin pushed him around the course to help him complete his marathon goal.
