Collette O’Hagan’s 1,000-Marathon Journey

When it comes to legends in the world of running, Collette O’Hagan, 75, of Dundalk, Ireland, is in a league of her own. Her story is one of perseverance and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries having recently completed her 1,000th marathon – including all six Abbott World Marathon Majors with Sports Tours International. We caught up with Collette at the Dublin Marathon where she shared her incredible story.

The Beginnings of a Running Legend 

Following a long illness, Colette’s husband Larry encouraged her to take up running to rebuild her strength. Accompanied by their dog, Scrappy, Collette attempted her first run along Dundalk’s Shore Road. It was anything but enjoyable.

“I had to stop and say, ‘I can’t do this,’” she said. Yet, with Larry’s persistence and patience, running slowly became a part of her life.

A few weeks later, Collette joined the Dundalk Joggers club, leading to her first Women’s Mini run in Dublin. The experience was transformative, igniting a desire to keep upping the distance. From there, she set her sights on the full Dublin Marathon – a decision that marked the start of an extraordinary running career.

From Dublin to the Abbott World Marathon Majors

Collette’s first Dublin Marathon was an experience of nerves and self-doubt. She remembers standing at the start line, intimidated by the other runners in their sleek new running gear. But by the time she crossed the finish line in under four hours, the self-doubt melted away.

Over the years, Collette kept running, her next event being the Boston Marathon, and her first international race. “It was such a prestigious event with a great history. I felt I was completely stepping out of my comfort zone,” she said.

Since then, Collette has completed 12 Boston Marathons, numerous London Marathons, and all the Abbott World Marathon Majors with a little help from Sports Tours International.

She said: “It’s wonderful to travel with like-minded people, we look out for each other. You don’t have to worry about anything, Sports Tours plan everything for you and completely take the stress away.”

A Life of Compassion: Running, Fostering and Charity Work

Collette’s accomplishments extend far beyond running. Alongside her husband, Larry, she has fostered over 80 children, creating a home full of love and support. “It was challenging, but our own five children embraced the experience,” she said.

Collette also dedicated years to her work for a Romanian orphanage after the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu. The conditions she witnessed were awful; children neglected, malnourished, and forgotten. Through tireless fundraising and advocacy, Collette and her team helped close the orphanage, transitioning the children to smaller group homes where they received better care.

Everyone starts their marathon journey somewhere

Collette’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of community, and the incredible impact one person can have on the world.

“If you don’t step out of your comfort zone, you’ll never know how far you can go,” she said.

From her early struggles on Dundalk’s Shore Road to completing her 1,000th marathon and transforming the lives of countless children, she remains a symbol of resilience and generosity.