Family of chef who died climbing Kilimanjaro donates trophies to Cork City Marathon
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The family of a man who died climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has donated two trophies in his honour to the organisers of the Cork city marathon.
Father of three, James O’Connor, a popular chef who worked at the legendary Tony’s Bistro on Cork’s North Main St, was climbing Africa’s highest peak in Tanzania last December to mark his 40th birthday when he suffered a suspected heart attack brought on by altitude sickness just 100m from the summit and died.
Mr O’Connor had completed several marathons and was always excited to participate in the event in his native Cork city.
He trained regularly with his friends from both Cork and Limerick and his family said he inspired many others to take up running and to have a healthy active lifestyle.
His wife Grace and children Christopher, 16, Lilly, 12, and James, eight, who attend Mungret Community College and St Paul’s National School in Limerick, said they wanted to do something special to celebrate his life and his passion for running.
They have now donated the James O’Connor Perpetual Cups to the organisers of the Cork City Marathon, to be presented to the male and female winners of the marathon’s 10k from now on.
Grace and Christopher, along with other family members and friends, are also training to take part in this year’s marathon, half-marathon and 10k race later this year.
Race director, Eamon Hayes, said they were really moved by the generosity of the O’Connor family, especially so soon after James’s death.
“It is a fitting tribute to his passion for running and his place both in the Cork running and wider community,” he said.
“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.”
This year's marathon is being organised by Cork City Council and a committee which features 14 experienced runners.
It will take place on June 2 with the full marathon starting at 8.15am, the half marathon starting at 10.15am, and the 10k starting at 8.45am, with runners assembling from 8.15am at Merchant’s Quay. The marathon is World Athletics certified.
You can register to take part at www.corkcity.ie/cork-city-marathon-2024, or follow @corkcitymarathon on social media.