On 15 April, eight students from RCSI will fly to Boston, USA to compete in the 115th Boston Marathon. This year the participating runners have decided to go the extra mile with plans to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland.

Boston is the oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious and highly competitive road race events in the world. RCSI students have participated in the event since 1999 and past runners still hold cherished memories of this unique experience. This year the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) filled its 26,000 slots in one day, disappointing thousands of runners, many of whom had trained all year and who would have qualified within the time.

RCSI's involvement in the race stems from graduate Dr John V Coyle (Class of ‘62) whose support of the RCSI team for more than a decade generates huge interest in the RCSI team when they arrive in Boston, from meeting the Mayor to attending various pre-race events.

Fundraising has begun for the team's chosen charity, Breast Cancer Ireland, whose mission is to offer Ireland a translational approach to the treatment of Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Ireland aims to achieve this by speeding up discovery and treatment of patients diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Their efforts involve working closely with clinicians and scientists throughout the country.

Staff, students and friends of RCSI are encouraged to generously support the team members by making a donation to support the runners in the 26.2 miles they will cover in their efforts.While some 43 elite athletes from all over the world will compete for the coveted first place, RCSI offers its own winning trophy. The John V Coyle Perpetual Trophy is presented annually to the first RCSI runner to cross the finish line. Last year, the honour went to GEP Medicine student Simon Clifford with an impressive time of 3'15" and no doubt Simon will be working hard to put his name on the trophy again this year.

RCSI wish the team all the very best in their endeavours.