Tom Morgan with his four Marathon Club of Ireland medals (in recognition of his completion of 25, 50, 75 and 100 marathons) and, around his neck, a commemorative medal presented to him after the recent Lilliput Marathon.

Marathon man calls time on career with new book

Rochfortbridge marathon man Tom Morgan is bringing down the curtain on 60 years of distance running with the launch of his new autobiography, ‘May the Road Rise To Meet You’ next month.

It’s now six and a half years since the Marathon Club of Ireland awarded Tom with a medal for running his 100th marathon – the 2008 Dublin City Marathon – and the veteran runner says that it’s time to hang up his trainers as injury takes its toll.

Tom’s book, put together with the help of his family and retired teacher and historian Danny Dunne, should make interesting reading.

“There’s a mix of memories in it,” said Tom. “Some very happy and some sad.

“There’s a lot about the kids I trained in my time; national school teams, boys and girls, who won a lot of prizes in cross country both in Westmeath and Leinster.”

The book is illustrated with lots of photos, showing the various marathons Tom participated in over the years, the many friends he met along the way, his involvement with Mullingar Harriers, and the various teams he trained.

Tom puts his final marathon count at 122, but it is the 100th in 2008 of which he is most proud.

He was left bursting with pride earlier this year, when – with television cameras filming – a presentation was made to him at the Lilliput marathon, in recognition of his century of marathon finishes. The item featured on Sky last week.

“I got four medals from the Marathon Club, for 25, 50, 75 and 100 marathons,” Tom said. “Because of this, I’m a member of the 100 Club of Ireland.

“I am the only man in Westmeath to have run 100 marathons, and every one I started I finished.”

Tom’s full story will be unveiled when his book launches on two dates next month.

The first launch is on Saturday April 11 at Mal Gavin’s pub, Tyrrellspass, with music on the night. The launch kicks off 9.30pm.

Then, on Saturday April 25, Bagnall’s in Tom’s native Rochfortbridge will be the venue, starting also at 9.30pm, with entertainment on the night.

Copies of the book will be on sale at both events, and the proceeds will go to charity.

Tom says that he is particularly thankful to the Westmeath Examiner and the local media for all the support they have given him over the years.