A LONDON Irishman will fly the tricolour high in the US next week as the New York Marathon gets underway.
Co. Wexford man Raymond Kinsella has been chosen as an Irish delegate for the New York Marathon Opening Ceremony – an event being held on November 3, before the big run takes place.
The Enniscorthy native, who has lived in London for 20 years, will represent Ireland in the Parade of Nations event, which takes place within the ceremony and sees marathon runners from across the world parade across the finish line – which they will be aiming to cross in good time two days later.
“Being selected to be a delegate in the New York Opening Ceremony is a very proud honour for me as I have the opportunity to combine my love of running with my love for two well-connected nations,” he told The Irish Post.
The 40-year-old, who moved to Britain after graduating in Business Management from the Dublin Institute of Technology, has been running since he was eight years old.
“It started out when I trained in hurling with my local club, Marshalstown,” he explained.
“When all the other players were back in the dressing room I preferred to continue doing laps of the pitch.”
Before moving to Dublin for university, Mr Kinsella trained with the Sliabh Buidhe Rovers in Ferns, Co. Wexford
He has since run five Dublin marathons, with a personal best time of 3hr 20mins, and the London Marathon, raising funds for VICTA, a charity which helps improve the lives of blind children.
He trains in London’s parks and in Basque, where his wife is from.
“Training in the Basque mountains and beautiful trail paths, has helped improve my running immensely,” he admits.
“But the great thing about living in London is having access to so many great parks which allow me to train without the worry of traffic,” he adds.
Mr Kinsella is currently training four times a week, clocking up about 50 miles, in preparation for the New York Marathon, which takes place on November 5.
He hopes to complete the run in 3hours and 30minutes.
“The opening ceremony will help the marathon get off to a festive start,” he said, “and will be a chance for members of various countries to show their colours.
“The Irish flag will be flying high indeed," he added.
