Emotional experience as Banbridge friends cross marathon finish line
TWO friends from Banbridge, who recently completed the Belfast City Marathon, have described it as an ‘amazing and emotional’ experience.
Antoinette Hannigan and Caroline Pinion were raising funds for two charities close to their hearts - Alzheimer’s Society and Action Cancer.
The event, on Sunday, May 5, was Antoinette’s 10th marathon and Caroline’s first - and it was a day to remember for them both.
Speaking to the Chronicle, the well-known women shared their marathon memories.
“There was a real buzz and the weather was just perfect!” Toni revealed.
“The support was fantastic - everyone was really in the spirit and it certainly helped to get the odd comment, 'you’re doing great'.
“The amount of kids out with posters that they had made really was lovely to see. There was a wee girl, in particular, who was handing out sweets. I went over and took one off her and she said 'you’re a star… you are all stars'.
“It really brought a tear to my eye to hear this from a child. It was lovely to hear people I had never seen in my life before shout, 'Come on Toni!’ as I had my name on the front of my vest.”
Toni added: “I felt good until about 21 miles - I actually surprised myself that I felt good for so long. Then I felt myself slowing down a bit, but a chat with Caroline and a few glucose sweets perked us up again to get us to the finish line!”
With the finish line in sight, the ladies found another gear and managed to run the last stretch into Ormeau Park.
“There were a lot of mixed emotions when we crossed the finish line - relief, pride, emotion and delight.
“Throughout the whole walk, I had my mum Jean (Scappaticci) and my mother and father in law in my thoughts.
“I have raised £1,800 for the Alzheimer's Society - I was totally overwhelmed by the generosity of family, friends and people who I didnt even know, but who had seen the article in the Chronicle prior to the event and were stopping me in the street and handing me donations.
“To everyone who donated, I am extremely grateful. This money will power dementia care, support services and cutting edge research into causes and prevention.
“It will hopefully make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia. Sadly, I have been there with my own loved ones and it's not a nice place to be.”
Toni admitted it has been rewarding to be able to support the charity through her marathon efforts.
“I am delighted to have completed 10 marathons and to have supported the Alzheimer's Society throughout all the marathons and raised much-needed funds.
“My aim was to do one more and now I have achieved it. This is the largest amount of money I have raised for Alzheimer's, so I can go out on a high!”
Caroline, who works in Donaghy’s, was chuffed to complete the marathon in six hours.
“It was an amazing and emotional experience, and it was such a personal achievement for me in my first marathon.
“We started well and kept a fast pace throughout.
“The crowds that come out to support everyone are fantastic…church groups with water, sweets and biscuits and music groups. I even found myself doing a little jive up the Boucher Road!
“Getting hugs from people I knew out on the route, just when I needed them, meant so much.
“For me the toughest parts were at mile 18, when I hit the wall, and then at miles 23-26.
“After a bit of talking to myself and Toni, and taking some food and water onboard, I started to regain my ‘I can do this’ attitude. I'm not one to give up easily!”
As the finish line approached, the enormity of what Caroline had achieved started to sink in.
“It was worth every aching muscle!” she recalled.
“We sprinted to the finish together and hugged as we crossed the finish line, realising what we'd just accomplished! We did it!
“I've raised £1,300 and these vital funds for Action Cancer will help those families and individuals that need support in our local area.
“I want to thank all those people who donated to my fundraising page. I've tried to thank people individually, but to those anonymous donations, if you read this, thank you so much - I appreciate all your kindness.
“To Donaghy’s for all their help and support with the fundraising - a massive thank you!”
Caroline reflected: “When I went to work the following day after the marathon the thought of entering another marathon was far from my mind, as I shuffled about in pain.
“But, as the days passed and I got back to normal, I thought about entering another marathon.
“As they say, ‘never say never!’ I am always up for a challenge!”