Born To Run is renowned for its welcome and success in turning people with no experience into fully-fledged runners and introducing them to the world of running. Through Born to Run, members have achieved personal goals and enjoyed countless happy lifetime memories, they’ve undertaken many fundraising events and ran all over the world. The profiles will highlight some of our runners who help bring pride to the famous orange jersey.
Runners profile Neil Dennehy
“My name is Neil Dennehy and I first ran with Born to Run way back in 2013 with the couch to 10k programme. After a summer of training, I ran the 2013 Rose 10k and it was a milestone run for me.
However life got in the way afterwards and I stopped running until I discovered parkrun in 2019 and I got back into it. And since then, I’ve become parkrun obsessed where my Saturday feels empty if I’m not running or volunteering at some parkrun event!
In the summer of 2024 with over 100 parkruns under my belt, I decided to train for the Tralee half marathon and though I found it really tough, I managed to make it to the end and claim that medal! Since then, I’ve run more races like the Run Killarney 10k, the Cork half marathon, and the Born to Run half marathon. And each Saturday I aim to increase my number of parkruns because of how great an initiative it is with how community focused it is, and all the different locations give you an opportunity to visit some place you might not otherwise have been!
My sights are now set on the 2025 Dublin marathon where I hope to reach the finish line and then retire from full marathon distance with a priceless medal!
Runners Profile Susan Tearle
My name is Susan Tearle, in September 2022 I joined the couch to 5k with Born to Run. I had not done any running or walking previously in this manner, but wanted to do something to improve my health and discover new things outside of the home. This was a decision I made for myself – for mental health and escapeing the family, little did I know I was joining another family, runners and shorts all the way. The Couch to 5k was very challenging for someone who was as unfit as me but I persisted with the help and encouragement of the mentors in the group. I achieved my 5k on a cold winters night in November. I was so emotional that I had run a 5k without stopping and was so proud of this achievement, my family did not know until the night I came home. My first of many medals.
In 2023 I did 10k Killarney, Dingle half marathon and my biggest so far Dublin marathon, with every step I have ran, I have had the support and encouragement of the Born to Run group, this is not just a running group it is a family, it is friendships and memories, I think I have the running bug. I am a proud member of Born to run and grateful to this amazing group.
To many more trips, runs and memories.
Runners Profile Lorraine Connor Fitzgearld
My name is Lorraine Connor Fitzgerald. I’m originally from Co Roscommon but living in tralee about 6 years, my wife of 2.5years brought me to Tralee. I have played sport all my life GAA ,basketball,soccer basically anything with a ball but I never ran before. I joined BTR last year to complete the c25k and I have to say I’m hooked since; I’ve never enjoyed the running part of training in team sport training sessions but everyone in BTR is so enthusiastic, encouraging, welcoming and friendly that it’s changed my thoughts on running for the better I’m so glad I joined up last year . I have just ran the c25k, the santa 5k and a 10k in kilarney so far but I have signed up for afew more 10ks and a goal this year is to complete a half marathon .
RUNNERS’ PROFILES : HELEN TWOMEY
My name is Helen Twomey. I started running in January 2019. My friend was a member of Born To Run and persuaded me to join. I joined Born To Run to initially run a 5k without stopping, to get fit & active and meet new people. I completed 2 marathons in 2023 and have also run 5ks, 10ks and half marathons. My most memorable Born To Run moment was completing the Limerick marathon last year with some of my Born To Run friends. My favourite event has been the Born To Run 40 miler and the Dingle half marathon. They were both tough events but the atmosphere on the day was amazing. Running advice: enjoy every run and keep going no matter how hard it feels. The sense of accomplishment feels great afterwards. Born To Run Club is special because of its members – they offer lots of support and advice and it’s not just a running club, the friendships I’ve made within the club are now some of my closest friends . Other interests: walking
RUNNING PROFILES Lorna White
My name is Lorna White.
In 2012, I did a couch to 5k training plan with a friend and was so proud to do my first ever 5k race, having never ran or played a sport in my life.
In 2013 I heard of a running group called Born To Run and decided to join them one evening, as I had never run with a group before. As I ran out the canal with the group, I realised that they were training for a marathon. I made my apologies to the then Mentor and organiser Marcus Howlett and said that I had joined the wrong group, as I wouldn’t be able to run a marathon. I was reassured that if I continued to come to the training sessions, that I could run a marathon too. I thought he was crazy. I continued to show up for the training sessions. In August 2013 I took part in the first Rose of Tralee 10k race and in March 2014 I completed my first full marathon and proudly crossed the finish line in under 5 hours.
I have since taken part in countless 5ks, 10ks and half marathons and have gone on to complete a further two full marathons. The most recent being Dublin City Marathon in 2023, ten years after joining Born To Run.
I love running and it has helped me improve both physically and mentally.
Several members of the running group travelled to Verona in 2023, where members took part in either a 10k race or a half marathon. I took part in the 10k race. It was a fantastic experience. The idea of travelling away with the group was totally out of my comfort zone, but i have to say that I enjoyed every moment of it and look forward to taking part in many more races with Born to Run, both at home and abroad.
Born to Run Tralee 