Athlete Profile

Donie Bergin

Athletics

Donie Bergin’s athletics journey has come full circle. Having first competed as a juvenile with Moycarkey Coolcroo AC, he took a break from the sport before rediscovering his love for running after completing the Limerick Marathon. Now fully committed, Donie has found his passion in long-distance running, particularly the marathon, where he continues to push his limits and set new personal bests. His dedication and drive have already led to major milestones, and he has his sights set on even bigger goals in the coming years.

How long have you been involved in athletics?

I first ran as a juvenile with Moycarkey Coolcroo AC but stepped away from the sport for a few years. It wasn’t until I ran the Limerick Marathon in 2024 that I truly fell back in love with running. That race reignited my passion, and since then, I’ve been fully committed to improving as a distance runner.

What is your favorite event?

The marathon is my event of choice. There’s something about the challenge of covering 26.2 miles that really appeals to me. It tests your endurance, your mental strength, and your ability to stick to a plan.

What is your greatest achievement in athletics so far?

Breaking the 3-hour mark in the Valencia Marathon was a huge moment for me. It was a target I had been working towards for a long time, and crossing that finish line with a sub-3 time was incredibly rewarding.

Who is your biggest inspiration in the sport?

Sarah Lavin is someone I really admire. Her dedication, resilience, and performances on the track are inspiring, and she shows what’s possible when you put in the hard work.

What motivates you to keep training and competing?

I love the process of training and seeing improvements. It’s incredibly satisfying to put in the effort and then see the results in races. That feeling of progress keeps me motivated.

What does a typical training week look like for you?

I train on the track most Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the rest of my week consists of road running and a long run on Sundays. The variety keeps things interesting and ensures I’m always building towards my next race.

How do you prepare mentally before a big competition?

I don’t have a strict routine, but I always like to have a coffee before a race. It helps me relax and gets me into the right mindset.

What’s your most memorable moment in your athletics career?

The Valencia Marathon stands out as my most memorable race. The atmosphere, the competition, and the feeling of hitting my target time made it a special experience.

What do you do outside of athletics?

I enjoy swimming and walking—it’s a great way to stay active while giving my legs a break from running.

What’s your advice for someone just starting in athletics?

Don’t overthink it—just start running and enjoy the journey. Improvement comes with time and consistency.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

My main targets are the Limerick Half Marathon and a series of 5K races over the summer. I’m aiming to build on my progress and continue improving my times.

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Friday 13 June 2025