Emily Gunning is doing the Dublin Marathon as a fundraiser for Make A Wish Ireland.

Loreto student combining Leaving Cert studies with training for Dublin Marathon

Emily Gunning is combining studies for the Leaving Cert at Loreto College, Mullingar, with training for the Dublin Marathon, and says the exams come first.

She says she completed the heavy part of her marathon training in the summer, and since the start of term, she gets the homework done first and goes running after.

"Training helped me with school as it keeps me disciplined and gives me a mental break," Emily said in an interview posted on Loreto College social media.

Emily will be one of the youngest participants in this year’s Dublin Marathon, and the classic distance was her target when she started running two years ago. She is using the event as a fundraiser for Make A Wish Ireland.

Emily’s preparations for race day aren’t confined to athletics. "I always clean my shoes, plait my hair and get bronzed for my event (it’s all about the camera!)," she said.

As a long event goes on she says: "I start to slow my pace and turn on my playlist, and that helps keep me motivated when my legs are getting tired.

"The dreaded injury and being disciplined socialising have been my biggest challenges. I have sacrificed seeing my friends on the weekends at times to get my training in.

"My friends think I’m crazy but they might join me on a 5k. I am hoping when I cross the finish line. it will be one of the most rewarding things I have done."

Donate to Emily's fundraiser here.