56 runners take on Dublin City Marathon in memory of Mayo man Shane Freeman
The team of 56 runners hope to raise €50,000 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
From first-time marathon runners to a woman preparing to complete her 262nd marathon, 56 runners will take to the streets of Dublin this Sunday, 25 October, in memory of much-loved Kiltimagh man Shane ‘Peach’ Freeman, raising vital funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
56 runners are preparing to tackle the 42.2km Dublin City Marathon in memory of Shane, who died following a six-and-a-half-year battle with colorectal cancer.
Shane passed away on September, 2, 2025, aged just 50, leaving behind his wife, Orla, their three boys, and a wide circle of family and friends.
A keen runner and golfer, Shane completed the Dublin City Marathon in both 2017 and 2018, just months before receiving his cancer diagnosis.
The original goal was to recruit 50 runners, one for each of Shane’s “50 wonderful years”. That ambition has now been surpassed, with 56 people from all walks of life preparing to take on the challenge in his honour.
Among the team are first-time marathon runners who only took up running this year, alongside an experienced female runner who will be completing her remarkable 262nd marathon, including her 25th Dublin City Marathon.
The event will also see members of Shane’s own family take to the starting line, including his brothers, Barry and Mark Freeman, and sister-in-law Tara Gibney. Tara only began running in January and will be completing her first marathon.
More than a marathon
For Shane’s wife, Orla, the growing team represents far more than a fundraising challenge. It is a powerful tribute to her husband’s life, his love of people and his ability to inspire others.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's marathon, Orla said:
“When we first came up with this idea, I never imagined it would grow into something like this. Peach always said he had 50 wonderful years, so we thought, wouldn’t it be something special to have 50 people running a marathon in his memory.
“To now have 56 runners, including members of his own family, is something I find very hard to put into words.
“But what makes me even prouder is everything that has happened along the way. People have taken up running, challenged themselves to do things they never thought possible, formed friendships and supported one another through months of training.
“Peach was always someone who encouraged others to give things a go and enjoy life. I know he would be so proud of every single one of them.”
Giving back to hospice
The fundraising campaign holds a deeply personal significance for the Freeman family, following the care and compassion they experienced at Mayo Hospice in Castlebar during the final 11 weeks of Peach’s life.
For Orla and their three boys, the hospice became a place where they could spend precious time together, make lasting memories, and receive invaluable support during an incredibly difficult period.
“Hospice gave us so much more than medical care. They gave us precious time together as a family, opportunities to make memories and support that has continued for myself and our three boys since Peach died.
“Knowing that the money raised will help other families, including through the development of children’s hospice services in the West, makes this fundraising effort even more meaningful.”
The team hopes to raise €50,000 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, helping the organisation continue its vital work supporting patients and families across the region.
A community united in Shane’s memory
The response to the campaign has been remarkable, with local businesses, sporting clubs, community organisations and individuals rallying behind Peach’s Runners and helping turn an idea into a shared community mission.
For the Freeman family, that support has been a source of great comfort as they continue to navigate life without Peach.
“One of the things that has helped us so much since losing Peach is seeing just how loved he was. Every runner, every donation, and every act of kindness reminds our three boys of the impact their dad had on people’s lives.
“Of course, there is sadness too. We are doing all of this because Peach is no longer here. But keeping his memory alive in such a positive way, while helping other families, means so much to us.
“This has become about more than remembering Peach. It is about community, friendship, believing in yourself and making a difference. I think he would absolutely love that.”
Final appeal for support
With marathon day approaching, Peach’s Runners are making a final appeal for donations as they work towards their €50,000 fundraising target, the equivalent of €1,000 for each of Peach’s 50 wonderful years.
Orla paid tribute to everyone who has committed to the challenge and encouraged anyone who can to support the campaign.
“These 56 runners have put months of hard work and dedication into getting to Sunday’s start line. I am so proud of them all.
“If anyone is in a position to donate, no matter how small, it would mean so much. Every euro will help Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation continue its wonderful work.
“On Sunday, 56 runners will take on the streets of Dublin, but I know Peach will be with every one of them, every step of the way.”
As the 56 runners prepare to cross the starting line, they will carry with them the memory of a much-loved Mayo man, the support of an entire community and the hope that their efforts will make a lasting difference to other families facing the most difficult of times.
To support Shane’s runners and donate to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, visit: