Alfie to run Berlin marathon in aid of Heart Foundation

Shane King

Castlepollard councillor Alfie Devine is training for the Berlin Marathon this September, continuing his record of running the distance running for charity.

The event is on September 21, and Alfie is supporting the Irish Heart Foundation: “About five or six years ago, a few friends and I decided to run a marathon for charity,” he said.

“We have done New York and Paris in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital and more recently I’ve taken on the Dublin Marathon. Berlin is next on the list now and I will be raising funds this time for the Irish Heart Foundation.” Alfie and his family share a personal connection to the foundation’s work and he is passionate about raising funds for the cause.

“I had a brother who died young from a heart condition. We’ve also done a lot of fundraising locally for defibrillators, we have maybe 12 or 13 in place around the county now. So this cause really means a lot to me.”

While Cllr Devine has previously run alongside friends including Donal Cassidy and Paul Markham, this time he’ll be going solo in Berlin. “Donal and Paul were childhood friends, and it was Donal who first roped me into this,” he laughed. “Now I’ve got the bug and have been doing one or two a year for the last five years.”

He admits the preparation isn’t easy, but the reward is always worth it. “Training takes a good four to six months. It’s no easy task, 26 miles is still a challenge, but I go out, enjoy the experience, and don’t worry about quick times. It’s all about finishing and fundraising.”

Alfie praised the support he has got in his previous events and in the run up to his latest marathon run. “People are always generous,” he said. “I’ve raised funds online and done a few static cycles over the years.

You are usually expected to raise around €2,000, and thankfully I’ve never had trouble getting there.” People can support Alfie’s efforts by donating via a fundraising link on his Facebook profile, or by contributing in person if they spot him around Castlepollard or Collinstown in the coming weeks.

“All the funds raised go directly to the Irish Heart Foundation,” he said. “It’s a brilliant cause, and I’m proud to do my bit.” He hasn’t committed to future races just yet, but says that once one marathon ends it’s not long before the itch returns. “Usually after I finish one I say, ‘That’s it, never again,’ and then I find myself planning the next.”

To donate to Cllr Devine’s fundraiser, visit his profile on Facebook and follow the link.