‘Newry’s fastest man’ has officially earned his title after crossing the Dublin Marathon finish line in just two hours and 21 minutes.
And the announcement is something that Newry’s newest record holder, 38-year-old Michael Fox, has been waiting a very long time for.
Declaring his achievement on Facebook, the father-of-three provided an insight into his determination and perseverance throughout the years. He said: “Back in 2014/2015 I gained 30kg of weight.
“My time with the sport of running seemed gone forever!
“I decided to take on Dublin marathon 2018 as my first ever marathon to help get back at running…
“Exactly six years ago my obsession began and from that first marathon – through thick and thin – one person has had my back, believed in me all the way, through crap races, injuries, disappointments, winters, sicknesses, three kids, two houses and starting a self employed business.
“But the goal always remained the same.”
Michael’s determination endured. His desire to surpass the ‘great’ William McCracken’s record of two hours, 23 minutes and 53 seconds propelled him forward.
On Sunday, October 27 Michael took the record that William had held for 43 years – to the day.
Humbly, he states, “To some, this may not seem big and I know it’s not the Olympics or world records, but I wanted to become the greatest and fastest ever marathon runner from my local area.
“I went from 2.40.26 debut to eventually having that magic day on Sunday of 2.21.36.”
As a sports massage therapist, running coach and fitness blogger Michael had some pearly words of wisdom for those with similar ambitions.
He added: “I have known deep down this was within me, I tell people every day to just keep showing up. This is why!
“I run a self employed business and I simply work my ass off to show my kids that with hard work you can do anything you set out to do! Never mind letting obstacles stand in your way!
Recognising the invaluable support from those around him, Michael said in a final word of thanks: “I have been at this game for a long time and I have an amazing little mother who has followed me far and wide from I was seven years old at this sport and I have the most amazing wife in the world.
“I have said this so many times but I really mean this… without everything this amazing woman does I simply could not achieve my goals!
“She keeps our whole family going and does so much to allow me to train at 6am, run again at lunch, head to races all over the world, go to altitude camp up French mountains leading into a race and the goes on!
“Sunday was my chance to show them all that we did it, not I did it, we did it!”
