Dublin Marathon Sees Record Finishers and a Memorable Proposal

The Dublin Marathon witnessed a remarkable blend of achievement and emotion on October 29, 2023, as a record-breaking 18,486 participants crossed the finish line. The atmosphere at the event was electric, with runners pushing through the challenging 42.2 km course, culminating in a chaotic yet celebratory finish.

Approximately two hours into the race, medical staff prepared for the influx of finishers by positioning wheelchairs and stretchers at the finish line on Mount Street Upper. As runners began to arrive, the urgency of the situation became apparent. Daniel Mesfin, an American runner, made a striking entrance as he crossed the finish line with a personal best time of 2:08:51. Despite the cold and windy conditions, his achievement was overshadowed by the physical toll many runners faced, with several participants succumbing to exhaustion and vomiting shortly after finishing.

The scene was a mixture of triumph and distress. Medical personnel swiftly assisted those who were struggling, often needing to catch runners who began to falter just as they completed their race. One staff member described the situation succinctly as “carnage,” reflecting the intense emotional and physical journey of the marathon participants.

Amid the chaos, a heartwarming moment unfolded. Berta Quiñonero, a 27-year-old from Barcelona, proposed to her partner, Kahumburuka Tuahuku, a 31-year-old originally from Makunda, Botswana, just moments after finishing her race. With the ring in hand, she approached him after he had completed the marathon approximately an hour earlier. In a touching display of love and determination, Quiñonero got down on one knee and asked Tuahuku to marry her. He accepted, and she later remarked, “Honestly, I stopped caring about the race halfway through. I just wanted to get to the finish line.”

Quiñonero and Tuahuku met in 2023 through the Sanctuary Runners, an organization that connects asylum seekers, migrants, and the local community through sport. Their paths to Ireland have been strikingly different, with Quiñonero enjoying the privileges of EU citizenship while Tuahuku navigated a challenging asylum process. “Kahumburuka never gave up on his case,” Quiñonero noted. “He chose to secure his protection on his own terms, with hope and patience. And he did.”

As the marathon continued, other runners celebrated their accomplishments in various ways. Dearbhla O’Moore, a 25-year-old from Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, shed tears of joy upon crossing the finish line. O’Moore had previously faced a life-changing accident when she was struck by a car while running five years earlier. “I was told I would never run again,” she shared, reflecting on her emotional journey. The memory of her father, who had passed away two years prior, served as a powerful motivator. “I did it for my dad,” O’Moore said.

The atmosphere at the finish line was electric, with family and friends gathered to cheer on their loved ones. Children perched on their parents’ shoulders rang bells, while others held signs of encouragement. Many spectators expressed frustration at being unable to navigate through the city due to the marathon-related road closures. “Nobody’s letting me go anywhere,” one woman lamented, highlighting the logistical challenges the event presented in the bustling city.

Hours after the race concluded, crowds continued to line the streets, waiting for their loved ones to finish. The emotional connections on display were palpable, as participants and their supporters shared moments of joy, exhaustion, and relief. A mother embraced her son as he emerged from the crowd, tears streaming down his face, symbolizing the deep bonds that such events can forge.

The Dublin Marathon not only marked a significant athletic achievement for its participants but also served as a poignant reminder of love, resilience, and community spirit. The day’s events left an indelible mark on all who took part, from record-setting athletes to those celebrating personal milestones.