Marathon Couple Races Together For 57th Wedding Anniversary

Mel Johnson

80-Year-Old Married Couple Celebrates With A Marathon

They say that having a common goal will help strengthen a marriage. And it certainly seems to have worked for the Irish lovebirds, Kay and Joe O'Regan. The 80-year-olds recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary by crossing the finish line of the Cork City Marathon hand-in-hand! Credit: Darragh Kane via TODAY

A Shared Passion

The precious pair discovered their love for running at age 49. And by age 50, they decided to enter their first marathon in 1986. . . together! Credit: Kay O'Regan via TODAY Kay and Joe held hands as they crossed the finish line at the London Marathon, and the shared love of running became part of their marriage. [rsnippet id="3"]

Individual Achievements

When they retired and moved to Ireland, they both joined a running club. It's where they've met many of their mutual friends, which has encouraged them to stick with the sport of running. Berlin Marathon 1991 Credit: Kay O'Regan via TODAY

"When you run with people, you're more inclined to go through with it because you made a commitment," Kay said. "You also want to keep up with the group, so you often do a better job than if you were on your own."

Kay has an impressive 113 marathons under her belt, and Joe has competed in 29! Not too shabby! Marathon of Midnight Sun in Arctic Norway in 1995 Credit: Kay O'Regan via TODAY

Better Together

Even so, the couple has been competing in races separately since the first marathon in London. But with this year marking both their 57th wedding anniversary and 80th birthdays, to two decided that partnering together again in a marathon was the perfect way to celebrate. RELATED: A husband surprises his wife in the hospital for their 57th wedding anniversary Credit: Kay O'Regan via TODAY The two ran side-by-side, and as the finish line loomed a half a mile ahead, Joe grabbed Kay's hand and they crossed together. Credit: Darragh Kane via TODAY The lovebirds completed the race in 5 hours and 23 minutes, putting them tied for first place in their age group!

"There's nothing quite like the thrill you feel when running a race," Joe explained. "Neither of us can get enough of it."

Credit: Darragh Kane via TODAY Thankfully, the same sentiment stands for the love that they share.

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh? So that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Then let not that which has been joined by God be parted by man." Matthew 19:5-6

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Hear the touching reason why this D-day veteran is finally marrying his fiance 70 years after breaking up with her!

  h/t: 22 Words

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