Earlier this year, a team of runners was recruited to take on the 2025 Irish Life Dublin Marathon in support of GCN.

Evelyn, Dermot, Michael, Matt, Helen and Rob have spent months training hard for the marathon and fundraising in support of GCN, and we are extremely grateful for their commitment and efforts.

All funds raised thanks to our amazing runners and the generous contributions of our readers and supporters will go towards ensuring the sustainability of GCN as a free, independent media resource for the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and beyond.

Taking place on October 26, the 2025 race is just around the corner. This is the final stretch to support our runners, so if you are in a position to donate, you can do it at this link or by filling out the form below.

With only a few days left to the event, our wonderful runners shared why they chose to raise funds for GCN.

Evelyn Suttle

“The reason I chose GCN is because for my entire life they’ve provided free and really valuable information about queer liberation, sexual liberation and human rights.

“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.

“I’m grateful to GCN for amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ activists in Ireland and worldwide.”

Dermot Kelly

“I’m buzzing to run with GCN, a true beacon for our wider LGBT+ community. Representation and visibility matter! I’m proud to support GCN’s amazing work promoting, educating, entertaining, and celebrating queer culture across Ireland. I hope my run brings a few smiles (and a few quid!) along the way, and I’d love your support for me and all the other runners helping this brilliant cause thrive.

“They help keep people connected and informed and supporting them helps make Ireland a more equal and welcoming place.”

Michael Stafford

“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.

“Please donate. Every euro will have kept me through those 42 kilometres on the day. Thank you so much!”

Matt O’Brien

“I’m running with GCN for a number of reasons. My friend turned sister-in-law worked with them not too long ago and it really allowed me to understand what GCN do for the community. I was also lucky enough to be featured in a couple of articles that she wrote about me and also about my partner.

“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. This allowed me to open up in a way I hadn’t before, and it made me feel a whole new level of pride and comfort in myself and who I am.”

Helen Reid

“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.

“The journey has been very tough but also rewarding. A huge thanks to all at GCN for giving me the opportunity to run the marathon for them and raise money at the same time.”

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.”

If you’d like to support our wonderful runners, please consider donating at this link.