Running the New York City Marathon is a bucket list item for many, but Breda Cunningham and Rosie Mallon can proudly say they completed the famous run in November last year.
What made the challenge particularly special was the fact the pair were running in tribute to their mothers, Bridie Dobbin and Pat Connolly from Blackwatertown, who both sadly passed away after strokes, and in support of local charity, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS).
Breda explained: “We started thinking what we could do in support of NICHS back in 2024. We wanted to raise awareness and funds for the charity as sadly both our mothers passed away due to stroke and we wanted to do something as a tribute to their memories.
“After some discussions, the idea of the New York City Marathon was mooted, and it sounded so tempting. We had both completed the Dublin Marathon a few times and really enjoyed it, but this one was aspirational. It had been on Rosie’s bucket list for a long time. She had recently turned 60 and I celebrated that milestone the year before, so this felt like the perfect time to go for it as a memorial for our mothers and as a special trip for ourselves.”
Talking about their training, Breda added: “Our official training plan started in July last year. We trained on Tuesdays, Thursdays and did long runs on Saturdays, with the miles increasing each week. By September we were up to running 18 miles.
“The countdown really began in October with long miles ran week in and week out. We were blessed with the support of our running club, Orchard County Runners. They were with us every mile of our training runs with tag teams and encouragement, making sure neither Rosie nor I had to run long miles on our own as we run at different paces. They were brilliant and we could not have done it without their support.
“Words can’t describe the excitement and anticipation we felt as we headed for Dublin Airport to fly to New York. It’s fair to say we were both very anxious about taking on the challenge, getting to the start line, finishing, and just about everything!”
Once Breda and Rosie got to New York it was an action-packed few days leading up to the marathon on Sunday 2nd November 2025, as Rosie explained: “We went to the Marathon Expo on the Friday, the Shakeout Run, which allows runners to get a feel for the marathon course, and bag drop on the Saturday, and that evening we attended the Marathon Runners Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to calm the nerves.
“Sunday was the big day and we were up from 5am. We made the journey to the start line via Subway, Staten Island Ferry and bus. Once the race began it was like a carnival with each of the five boroughs bringing their own distinctive flavour. The start line at Staten Island with the loud cannon sending us off over the iconic Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge, the pipers in Brooklyn, the music in Queens, the choirs in the Bronx, and the rock bands in Manhattan. It was an amazing way to see the city, and the noise and atmosphere were electric from start to finish. Over one million people lined the route and cheered us on. The finish in Central Park was just unbelievable and a climax to a memorable journey. Breda ran over the finish line on her birthday, and I achieved a Personal Best, so it was incredibly special for us both.
“It was an unbelievable experience, and one made even more special because we did it in memory of our mothers and support of a wonderful charity. We would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone thinking about taking on the challenge.”
Breda’s and Rosie’s efforts have raised an incredible £8,179.50 for Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke.
This was made up of kind donations to their marathon challenge as well as a coffee morning, quiz and raffle, which they organised in their home village of Blackwatertown.
Breda said: “Our fundraising surpassed all our expectations; we were completely overwhelmed. Everybody was so generous and we are very grateful.”
“We raised over £3,000 at the coffee morning alone which was fantastic. It was a lovely event because people came and supported us who we didn’t know so well, but they knew our mothers. My mother was the canteen lady at the local primary school and so many people mentioned that, and that they held her in such high affection which was lovely to hear. There were also people there whose family had been touched by stroke. There was such an outpouring of support from the community for which we are so thankful. The event also helped to spread stroke awareness as we had NICHS leaflets and information and we were able to talk to so many people. We would like to thank our families, Naomh Mhuire Camogie Club and Clonmore Robert Emmett’s GAC for all their help and support with the coffee morning and quiz.”
Rosie added: “I work in our local primary school, St Jarlath’s Primary, and asked our Principal if I could do a fundraiser for NICHS. We came up with the idea of a non-uniform day with the children wearing red and white to represent the charity and giving a small donation. The whole school got involved- the kitchen staff even served strawberry jelly and ice cream to show their support. The children and staff all gave very generously, and a cheque was presented at a special assembly wishing myself and Breda a safe journey and every success for the marathon.
“We have been blown away by the generosity of our families, friends and community and want to thank everyone who supported us. Many thanks also to the Events Team at NICHS for guiding us and keeping us right.”
Niall Smyth, Events Co-Ordinator at Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, said: “We are so grateful to Breda and Rosie for taking on the New York City Marathon in memory of their mothers and in support of our charity. With almost 90% of our work being funded exclusively by public donations, fundraising efforts like Breda’s and Rosie’s are vital to making sure we can continue to help thousands of local people and their families rebuild their lives following a stroke.
“Could 2026 be the year you take on a challenge like Breda and Rosie’s with NICHS? As their story shows, it is an incredible experience, and one you can enjoy with the added benefit of knowing you are helping change lives at the same time. Home or away, marathon or relay, every step counts!
“NICHS can access places in many 2026 races across UK and Europe including the Dublin half marathon, Lisbon, Venice and Valencia full marathons. You can also join our waitlist for priority places for the 2027 London Landmarks half marathon, Dublin, and Belfast full marathons. Wherever and whenever you want to run, get in touch for a chat to see how we can help at events@nichs.org.uk . We also provide full support with fundraising to make the whole experience as smooth as possible.”
