Charity fundraising has always been at the heart of the Dublin Marathon, with over €9 million raised each year by the amazing participants. The 2025 race takes place on Sunday, October 26, when as many as 25,000 people will descend on the Irish capital with the goal of completing the 42.2km course.

Six of these runners will be raising funds for GCN, and you can already donate if you wish to help them reach their targets. Their efforts will go towards ensuring the sustainability of the organisation as a free, independent media resource for the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and beyond.

Without further ado, meet Evelyn, Matt, Michael, Helen, Anthony and Rob.

EVELYN SUTTLE
I live in Dublin and have worked for climate justice, human rights, and animal rescue. After volunteering with wildlife rescue and habitat conservation, I see the importance of sharing knowledge and hope that a different world is possible. After reading and learning and unlearning from GCN for years, I want to support this essential resource so that GCN can continue to inspire others. Donate to Evelyn’s fundraiser.

MATT O’BRIEN
I’m a personal trainer turned civil servant, and I’ve been running on and off since 2020. GCN has a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons. Back in 2022, my partner Róisín and I started a fundraiser event called Pride Nails to raise money for LGBTQ+ youth. While we did this, my sister-in-law wrote a couple of articles for GCN about us, our journey and what we were doing with Pride Nails. GCN gave me a voice to express myself and part of my journey along with my partner when I wasn’t sure how to go about doing it by myself. I am greatly honoured to be able to run for GCN, and I hope to do them proud and raise as much as I can to help support and grow the charity. Donate to Matt’s fundraiser.

MICHAEL STAFFORD
I’m originally from Dublin and now living in Wexford with my husband, John. Running has become a huge part of my life—not just for the physical challenge but for the sense of freedom, clarity, and resilience it brings. I’ve decided to run the Dublin Marathon for GCN because visibility, inclusion, and community matter. GCN has been a vital voice for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland, fostering connection and celebrating diversity. This is my way of showing support, raising awareness, and giving back to a community that deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated—a community that I am very proud to be part of. Donate to Michael’s fundraiser.

HELEN REID
Just before the 2024 Dublin Marathon, I got this idea that I should run one before I turn 40. This was a great idea, I thought, that was until I saw how much training I actually had to do. Now that I have a place with GCN, I am committed to my goal of finishing the 2025 Dublin Marathon. I decided to run for GCN because representation and visibility matter, and they provide a crucial role in educating and entertaining our community. By raising these funds, I hope to ensure GCN continues to thrive and celebrate our queer culture. I hope if you are reading this, you will support myself and the other runners who are running for GCN. Donate to Helen’s fundraiser.

ANTHONY KINAHAN
I am a 43-year-old actor and theatre-maker based in Drogheda, Co. Louth. I am also an LGBTQ+ and climate activist, both through my work and personal life. I am the chair of Outcomers Drogheda, ran YesEquality Louth and was a volunteer for many years for the MarriagEquality organisation. I ran the Dublin Marathon in 2022 and am really looking forward to running it again—this time for GCN. I am running it for GCN as I am very appreciative of all the support the organisation has shown for my performance work and Outcomers Drogheda in the past, and I am happy to be able to give something back by fundraising for the marathon. Donate to Anthony’s fundraiser.

ROB KENNEDY
I’m a Waterford native living in Dublin, and I am so excited to run the Dublin Marathon with GCN! Running a marathon is a powerful way to challenge myself, and doing it on behalf of GCN and the LGBTQ+ community is going to be so rewarding. It’s a chance to represent both my personal journey and hopefully put a spotlight on our wonderful community. Donate to Rob’s fundraiser.