Name: Jason (Jay) O’Mahony

Member of Eagle AC since: August 2020

How long have you been running what made you take it up: Running since 2008 onwards. Did a few Cork City sports in the 80’s representing my school when I was in primary school (St Josephs on the Mardyke)  but never followed up again until 2008 Cork City Mara Relay! Took it up after my buddy ran Cork in 2007. Got me thinking and started for fitness also.

Favourite thing about running: My favourite thing is just to be able to clear my head. It’s a busy life with 3 young kids in the family so I like to just run, and focus on the run – nothing else!

Favourite race distance to run: I like the 10 mile distance. It’s just about right where you can really enjoy it in autopilot mode running and not go flat out like a 5K/10K.

What is your main goal for this year:  I want to try and do a Half Mara in every county in Ireland over the next few years so this year is to successfully complete Cork (again), Killarney (again), Limerick, Waterford and Belfast Half. I also want to try out a few shorter runs in towns in Cork that I haven’t done before. That’s the plan anyway 😊

Your best race/most memorable racing moment to date: Running in the Olympic Stadium in London for the Great Newham 10k a few years back. That was an amazing feeling. Also a close second would be the Malta Half Marathon. Lovely finish along the harbor, that was amazing in the sun!

Tell us something most people might not know about you: I worked in London for 8.5 years returning to Cork in December 2016. Loved London, got to see loads of it north, south, east and west and amazing locations from St James Palace to New Scotland Yard, War Office and Canary Wharf Banks, plus West end with my job (engineer) daily.

Biggest heroes (sporting or non-sporting): Sporting – Roy Keane – A legend, a rebel and box office! Roys the man. Also Caitriona Twomey at the Cork Penny Dinners.

One bit of advice you would give to someone thinking of taking up running: start easily and don’t push yourself too hard initially. It takes time to build up strength, speed and endurance. Be consistent with your training and develop a plan for each week. Set a goal distance for each week and try to target it.

3 things you would take with you onto a desert island: Family, a ball to kick, My Alphaflys!