Cork City Marathon regular who died on Mount Kilimanjaro to be honoured in 10k event

Two trophies have been donated to Cork City Marathon for this year’s 10k race by the family of a popular Cork runner who died climbing Mount Kilimanjaro last December.

James O’Connor was a dedicated family man, working as a chef at the family-run Tony’s Bistro on Cork city’s North Main Street.

He passed away from a suspected heart attack catalysed by altitude sickness near the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on his 40th birthday.

James completed many marathons throughout his life and was always excited to participate in his home city of Cork.

He trained regularly with his friends and inspired many others to take up running and have a healthy active lifestyle.

To celebrate his life and his passion for running, James’ wife Grace and children Christopher, Lilly and James wanted to do something special.

The family have donated the James O’ Connor Perpetual Cups, which will be presented to the male and female winners of the Cork City Marathon 10k from this year onwards.

James’ wife Grace and son Christopher, along with many more family members and friends, are currently training to partake in the marathon, half-marathon and 10k race in Cork this year.

“We are really moved by the generosity of the O’Connor family, especially as it is such a short time since their devastating loss of James. It is a fitting tribute to his passion for running and his place both in the Cork running and wider community,” said Race Director Eamon Hayes.

“We are delighted that this year’s 10k participants will be the first to be awarded these cups. We hope it will provide an added incentive to all those training for the event and we know that it will be deeply appreciated by the athletes who receive the cups on June 2,” he added.

This year’s Cork City Marathon is back under the management of Cork City Council and expert partners with significant input from influential members of the running community.

The 2024 Cork City Marathon will kick off at 8.15 am for the full marathon, 10.15am for the half marathon and 8.45am for the 10k race, with assembly for this race to commence at 8.15am at Merchant’s Quay.

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