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Five Irish people with asthma have all completed the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon event, the Boston Marathon, which took place on April 16th.

(L-R) Conor Lowney, AstraZeneca, pictured with Darren McCarthy, Allison Drummond, Tony Duignan, Gareth Dixon and Darran Conlon, as the group prepare to leave Dublin Airport to run the Boston Marathon.

The five runners aimed to inspire the 470,000 people in Ireland with asthma to believe that once managed properly, asthma need not interfere with living their dreams or successfully achieving their sporting goals. They also raised funds for the Asthma Society of Ireland.

The five runners were Darran Conlon (aged 28) from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo; Gareth Dixon (37) from Leopardstown in Dublin; Tony Duignan (35) from Athlone, Co Westmeath; Darren McCarthy (34) from Limerick and Allison Drummond (30) from Baldoyle in Dublin.

The initial challenge to the group came last year from their sponsors AstraZeneca. The group were assessed before beginning their training by Olympic Council of Ireland Medical Officer and Consultant Respiratory Physician, Dr Sean Gaine. Since November the group had been involved in an intensive training programme under the guidance of fitness trainer, Karl Henry and nutritionist, Nuala Collins.

The athletes battled the elements as rain and strong winds made it even more difficult for themselves and the 20,000 runners from all over the world to brave the hilly New England terrain, in the 111th staging of the race, which was watched by over 500,000 spectators.

The group achieved very positive results, with Darren McCarthy crossing the line in a time of 3 hours, 29 minutes and 31 seconds. The remaining four runners completed the marathon together in times as follows: Tony Duignan 4:23:24, Allison Drummond 4:23:25, Gareth Dixon 4:23:25 and Darran Conlon 4:23:26.

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