On Sunday, October 27, months of training will culminate in the Dublin Marathon, a 42.2km race through the heart of the Irish capital. Among the over 22,000 participants is GCN Editor Alice Linehan, who is running for a worthy cause.

In November 2023, I ran my first-ever half-marathon. The 21.1km course is known as one of the flattest in the country, set along the Clontarf coastline. It admittedly went better than expected – I finished with a personal best time of 1:55:18 – and still, I swore that I would never do it again. Neither the buzzing atmosphere, sea views or finish-line snacks could convince me otherwise. I was happily entering an early long-distance running retirement. Or so I thought.

While I have actually stuck to my promise of not taking part in an official half-marathon since, I somehow convinced myself to do a race double the distance instead. I don’t remember what exactly drove me to the decision, perhaps it was my competitive streak or the constant feeling that I have something to prove (I’ll unpack that another time). What I do remember, however, is wanting to do it for a good cause – one that I really believe in.

@_alicelinehan 7 weeks to go 🥵 @Belong To #DublinMarathon ♬ original sound – alice

Charity fundraising has always been a key part of the Dublin Marathon, with over €9 million raised each year by participants. There are over 50 Irish and international organisations officially partnered with the event, and when I looked at the options, one in particular stood out.

That ‘one’ was Belong To. As Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ youth organisation, it is rooted in and driven by its work with queer young people, offering support services and safe spaces, as well as undertaking research, education and solution-based advocacy at an institutional and public level.

The work that Belong To does is not only extremely valuable, but essential. According to its Being LGBTI+ in Ireland 2024 research project, the mental health and wellbeing of queer people in Ireland are declining, with significant challenges experienced by younger age groups and the trans and gender non-conforming communities.

As an adult, I now live my life as an out and proud lesbian, but it wasn’t so long ago that I was a closeted teenager in denial and riddled with shame. While finding queer community in my 20s has been the most empowering and life-changing thing for me, I still battle with the feelings I’ve held onto since my childhood, and I know how much good an organisation like Belong To could have done for me.

@_alicelinehan Only 3 weeks to go 🏃 #DublinMarathon @Belong To ♬ original sound – Audios 💩

With that knowledge, it feels only right to somehow contribute to ensuring other young people have access to those essential services. This is my small way of helping the cause, although, as someone who works for a registered LGBTQ+ charity myself (yours truly, GCN), I’m aware that a little can go a long way.

Ahead of the Dublin Marathon on Sunday, I’m trying to raise as much money as possible, and any donations and/or shares would be more than appreciated. If inclined, you can support my fundraiser here, and if you happen to be out watching the race on the day, be sure to give me a wave (or any alternative forms of encouragement – I’ll need whatever I can get).

As a queer person, it’s taken a lot of work to become comfortable and confident in my own body. Now, it’s time to put that same body to the test and use it to support an organisation that helps other people find a home within themselves. It’ll be no mean feat, but I’m up for the challenge. Wish me luck!