Cork man to run marathon in full NFL kit in memory of his friend 

More than 17,000 hardy souls will be taking part in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon this weekend, and many of them will be competing to raise money for a worthy cause.

Cork man Anthony Creed will be among the hordes lining up on Sunday morning, and has a special reason to take part.

The 30-year-old from Clogheen is running in memory of his good friend Bryan O’Brien, who died of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in June, 2024, aged 41, and is raising money for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Not only that, but Anthony will make the run in full American football gear, in recognition of the sport that first drew him and Bryan together.

The bond between the two was strong, explains Anthony.

“Bryan was a team-mate of mine when I joined the Cork Admiral American Football team after my college years,” he says. “I had a big interest in the sport.

Anthony met like-minded people while playing the sport in Cork.

“Bryan was really nice. He was friendly,” says Anthony, who took up endurance sport after two seasons with the Cork Admirals.

“Our paths crossed and Bryan made a huge impression on me. He lent a hand to everyone.

“Bryan was great for advice and he was great fun. I have fond memories of him.”

The diagnosis of MND came as a shock.

“When Bryan was diagnosed in early 2024, everyone rallied around and there were big fundraisers organised for him and his family,” says Anthony.

“I didn’t really notice a difference in Bryan, he was always very fit and healthy.”

But the disease rapidly took its toll.

“The deterioration was quick,” recalls Anthony.

The experience left a mark on Anthony, and he wanted to make a difference for his friend and for other sufferers of MND, which is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that damages the motor neurones (nerve cells) in the brain and spinal cord, leading to gradual muscle weakness, wasting, and eventually a loss of the ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe.

“When I took up ultra-endurance marathons, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do the Dublin Marathon in full NFL gear to honour Bryan and to raise funds and raise awareness for MND,” says Anthony.

He has also added an extra touch in memory of his late friend.

“I’m wearing number 44, which was Bryan’s number when he played American football,” says Anthony. “It is an honour for me to wear it.”

Bryan’s family felt honoured that Anthony wished to wear his late team-mate’s jersey, which was framed in Bryan’s family home in Carrigaline.

“I spoke to Bryan’s brother in Dublin, and the family are happy for me to wear the jersey. They took the jersey out of the picture frame and gave it to me to wear for the Dublin Marathon in Bryan’s honour.”

Bryan would be chuffed.

“The family were joking and said that the marathon will be the fastest Bryan ever run!”

Anthony means business.

“As well as honouring Bryan and raising funds and raising awareness for MND, I am aiming to beat the Guinness Book of Records for the fastest marathon run in an NFL kit, which is three hours, 29 minutes, and 28 seconds. I want to achieve both objectives.”

Anthony is used to achieving his objectives.

“Since my first marathon in 2018, I’ve taken part in 22 both at home and abroad,” he says.

But he is a home bird.

“The Cork city marathon is my favourite route,” says Anthony. “I love the streets of Cork.”

People on the streets of Cork have been supportive of him while he trains for the Dublin event.

“When I’m out training in the full NFL gear, helmet, shoulder pads and all, I often get a few funny looks,” says Anthony laughing. “Everyone I meet along the way is so supportive. They all wish me well.

“The charity is fantastic, and donations are coming in all the time.

“It’s great! I have to keep moving the target from €3,000, because the funds are climbing day after day.”

A very special person always supports Anthony.

“My fiancée, Sarah, is into keeping fit as well,” says Anthony.

“She is really supportive and, along with my parents, will be cheering me on along the route on Sunday.

“I’ll be meeting them ahead of time and we can soak up the atmosphere.”

Anthony is a fast mover.

“Three weeks after I proposed, we planned our wedding!” he says of his relationship with Sarah.

When is that special occasion?

“The 27th of December next year,” says Anthony.

He and Sarah chose a special part of the world for their wedding.

“It’s in Ballyseedy, outside Tralee,” says Anthony. “We went to see the venue, and we are really pleased with it.”

Anthony, who also takes part in the gruelling Ironman events, swimming 3.8km, cycling 113km and running 42.2km, is looking forward to his next big day on Sunday.

“I’m doing the Dublin city marathon for a great cause,” he says. “Bryan was a great guy.”

Anthony is a great guy too. He is something special.

“When I set out to do something, then I just go and do it,” he says.

“A good attitude is a good thing to have when taking on challenges.”

Bryan had a good attitude, like his friend.

“For his funeral, it was requested that mourners wear bright casual clothes,” says Anthony.

Typical then?

“Just like Bryan.”

The 45th Irish Life Dublin City Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday, October 24 in Dublin city centre.

Donation link: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/anthonycreed1