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Donaghadee, Northern Ireland – A firefighter from Belfast is taking on the 2025 Belfast Marathon in full firefighting gear to honour the memory of his late colleague, Kurtis Robinson, a Donaghadee firefighter who tragically passed away at the age of 31.
Kurtis suffered a heart attack in October 2023, stemming from a kidney-related illness, and passed away in February 2024 after being in a coma for several weeks. A devoted father and husband, Kurtis leaves behind his wife Natalie and young son Benny.
Running in His Memory – With 27 Kilos of Gear
Anthony Byrne, who now serves at Cadogan Fire Station on the Lisburn Road and also works as a personal trainer at GymCo, will run the full 26.2 miles wearing his firefighting suit and breathing apparatus (BA) — adding approximately 27 kilograms to his body weight.
“A fire suit doesn’t let heat out, and the BA gear puts a lot of pressure on your shoulders and lower back,” said Anthony. “It’s going to be tough, but I want to do this for Kurtis.”
Anthony has only managed one full training run in the gear due to work constraints, but he’s been preparing using a 20kg weighted vest. He says juggling marathon prep with firefighting and personal training work has been “hectic,” but the cause drives him forward.
A Special Moment: Wife Joins for Final Leg
In a powerful and emotional tribute, Kurtis’ wife, Natalie, will join Anthony for the final stretch of the marathon as part of a relay team.
“As long as I make it to her, I know I’ll finish,” said Anthony. “That’s what I’m focused on — getting to Natalie, for Kurtis.”
This will be Anthony’s third marathon, though only his second official race.
Fundraising for a Cause Close to the Heart
Anthony has launched a JustGiving fundraiser titled “Anthony’s Run for Kurtis & Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke”, and has already raised nearly £3,000 for the charity.
“Kurtis mentored me during my early days at Knock Station in East Belfast. He was such a kind, genuine person. When I saw Natalie and Benny recently at football matches we played through the Fire Service, I knew I had to do something.”
“This run is my way of giving something back — in memory of Kurtis, and to support others facing heart and kidney conditions.”
How to Donate
Anyone wishing to support Anthony’s charity run in memory of Kurtis Robinson can donate via his JustGiving page:
🔗 Anthony’s Run for Kurtis & NICHS
