My name is Ross, and on February 15, 2026, I’ll be running the Austin Marathon, my first marathon, in honour of my best friend John Kirby, who tragically passed away in October.

I’m running to raise money for the Ascension Seton Foundation in support of Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas—the hospital that cared for John through his battles. This fundraiser is dedicated to the Trauma and ICU Center at Dell Seton, providing life-saving care and support for families during trauma and critical illness.

Your support will help strengthen the Trauma and ICU departments by funding critical equipment and core programs, while also supporting patients and families during incredibly challenging times through meals, clothing, hotel stays, help with prescription medications, transportation, and basic necessities like rent and utilities—so families don’t have to choose between being present and meeting everyday needs.

This Foundation helps ensure families can remain close to their loved ones during their most vulnerable moments.

The Why

John was someone everyone loved. He was outgoing, kind, and adventurous, with a rare openness that made everyone feel welcome, always saying yes, always showing up, and he wore his heart on his sleeve.

We moved to Austin together in February 2025 from Ireland and fell in love with the city instantly. On the way home from a music festival, John was involved in a tragic road accident. He spent six days in the Dell Seton ICU, where the doctors, nurses, and staff took extraordinary care of him.

In our most difficult days and nights we were taken aback from the support we received from the Dell Seton, which meant we were able to stay close to John without worrying about anything else which meant so much to John's loved ones.

The Marathon

I’ll be running the 2026 Austin Marathon in John’s name, and this race is incredibly special as it passes through so many of John’s favorite places and memories in Austin.

Miles 1–3: Down South Congress – John’s favourite shopping spots, cafés, and Home Slice Pizza, John’s favourite restaurant in Austin.

Miles 6-9: Through Zilker Park, where John did fitness workouts during the week and played touch rugby on weekends, and past Barton Springs, where he swam two to three times a week in the Iconic pool.

Miles 10-11: Past Lions Municipal Golf Course, a place John visited a bit too often!

Mile 12-18: The run goes past the Dell Seton Hospital - the place where John spent his final days along with the Austin Skyline. We also pass the University of Texas football stadium, where John loved tailgating and supporting the Texas Longhorns football team.

Miles 22-25: Through the streets of John’s favourite bars, including De Nada and the East 6th hotspots, where we had some great nights out.

Miles 25-26: The bittersweet stretch – crossing the I-35, where John's accident occurred, and then running a couple of blocks away from our apartment.

Finish line

The finish line is directly in front of the Texas State Capitol - the exact spot where I once took a photo of John at the end of his favourite run from our apartment to the State Capitol and back (see the photo attached).

Running this marathon truly means following John’s footsteps one last time.

This race is raising money for families in the Dell Seton Trauma Center ICU, in John Kirby’s name.

Any donation, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping honour Kirby.

Ross