Well what a day! The sun was shining and 13,000 people were crammed down one road in Dublin town centre. The starters’ gun went off and it took us 5 minutes to get to the start line! Then the hard work really began. The marathon was a mix of hills and Country Park and lots of residential roads. The first 13 miles went really well and were completed in a good time. However, my partner (who I was running with) picked up an injury so we walked together for about 5 miles to try and get him back on track.

I now only have just over 3 weeks to go before my Dublin Marathon challenge. The weather has not been too kind and on many of occasions now I have been soaking wet or knee deep in mud. On one race we had to cross a stream which was freezing cold and fast flowing as it had rained all day the day before. But it's all good fun really.

My name is Donna and I'm 27 years old. I have worked for The Donkey Sanctuary at East Axnoller Farm near Beaminster in Dorset for just over 3 years now. I love my job and the variety it throws at me, from standing cuddling up to the older donkeys, to the challenge of gaining the trust of younger and nervous donkeys.