My name is Ciara and in August 2026, I’ll be running the Sydney Marathon in support of The Cliona Foundation.

I am originally from Cork, but I have been living in Sydney for the past three years. Over that time, I’ve had close friends take on the Sydney Marathon, and I’ve always been in awe watching and supporting them. This year, I decided it was time to challenge myself and take part — but also to do it in aid of something truly meaningful.

Since moving to Sydney, I’ve been working as a Speech and Language Therapist within the disability sector through the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) which has opened my eyes to the very real financial pressures faced by families caring for children with complex or life-limiting conditions. Seeing this firsthand made me want to give back in whatever way I could.

Supporting The Cliona Foundation felt like the perfect fit — a charity doing incredible work for families back home in Ireland. Being able to combine a personal challenge with raising funds for such an important cause makes this journey all the more special.