'It's never too late to take up running'

Age is just a number and not something that should deter anyone from taking up a new sport or activity. Belmullet native Sinéad Diver is the perfect example of not allowing ‘a number on a birth certificate’ discourage anyone from taking up something new.

Sinéad was 33 when she started running. Having moved to Australia, the Mayo woman found running.

Sinéad spoke to Western People’s Sports Editor Anthony Henngian for the launch of the 2026 Mayo.ie Western People Women’s Mini-Marathon on how running went from a way to get fit and healthy to breaking Australian records and competing at an elite level.

“When I started running, it wasn't with any thought of becoming elite. I just wanted to get fit and healthy. At the beginning, there really wasn't a mental hurdle, I was 33 which felt young to me, even if, in sporting terms, it is considered late.

“My first opportunity to race at the elite level came aged 38 and genuinely, I thought it would be a one-off experience, but I kept improving.

“It became obvious to keep going. I wasn't going to stop just because of a number on a birth certificate. But along the way, I heard plenty of people say I was too old and kidding myself, and comments like that came up regularly.

“But I've always been fairly stubborn, so being told I couldn't do something tended to motivate me, rather than discourage me. And, years later, I'm so glad I didn't listen.

“I went on to compete at multiple World Champs, two Olympic Games, and I broke the Australian marathon record. And I also ran the fastest marathon ever by an Irish woman.” 

Sinéad went a full year unbeaten in Australia, breaking several road records, but after running a time of two hours and 25 minutes in the marathon, Athletics Australia took notice. However, her achievements did not come without criticism.

“In some ways, starting later actually helped me, I didn't carry that pressure that talented juniors often have when expectations are placed on them early. Every improvement for me felt like a bonus rather than an obligation, and that really allowed me to enjoy the process.

“I probably did have to prove myself more than most because I was seen as past it. I went a full year unbeaten in Australia, broke seven long standing road records and ran 2.25 for the marathon before I really got any attention from Athletics Australia or from sponsors.

“But by then, I already knew I belonged, because the real shift had happened much earlier. I think that's the bridge for most people. You don't become an athlete when someone gives you the title, you become one when you commit to the process.” 

Sinéad believes that growing up in her native Belmullet instilled a grit and toughness needed to get through marathons.

“Life wasn't easy back then, and most people I knew had it tough, though I only realised that now looking back. We worked for everything, and we're grateful for everything, and we had so much freedom.” 

This year's Mayo.ie Western People Mini-Marathon is taking place in Ballina on Sunday, May 3, and Sinéad advises first-time participants that the first step is putting on your runners and getting out the door. As a woman-only event, it can also bring a layer of comfort to individuals who are taking part for the first time.

“I would say the very first goal is simply just to lace up and head out the door, even if it's just for a walk. And then if at some point you feel like it, you just break into a gentle jog, for 30 seconds or a minute, then walk again and repeat. There's no right or wrong way to do it really.

“Over time, those little jog sections naturally get a bit longer. The goal in the first week isn't around 10k, it's just to start and see if you enjoy it. And then once you realise you can do that and it actually feels good, your confidence builds very quickly. And when it's enjoyable, everything else tends to follow.

“I think for a lot of first-time participants, a woman's only event removes like a layer of pressure straight away. You're not worrying about pace groups flying past you or feeling like you have to keep up with anybody else. Instead, the focus shifts to just taking part and finishing and enjoying the experience that changes everything really, especially if running feels intimidating.

“There's also something very different about the atmosphere [in the Mayo.ie Western People Women's Mini-Marathon]. It becomes less competitive and more supportive. You see mothers, daughters, friends all moving together for their own reasons, whether it's health, confidence or honouring somebody.” 

The early bird registration for this year’s Women's Mini-Marathon is now open and you can register at www.westofirelandwomensminimarathon.com.