David Crosby is not just a marathon runner — he’s a force of nature. A double transplant recipient and proud Meath man, David has faced down death more than once, and each time, he’s come back stronger, more determined, and more committed to living a life of purpose and impact.
Diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) — a progressive and incurable lung disease — David received a life-saving double lung transplant, defying the odds to not only survive, but to thrive. In 2017, he became the first known Irish organ recipient with IPF to complete the New York City Marathon, finishing in 6:15:31 and setting a national record in the process.
Since then, David has set his sights on joining the world’s most elite amateur runners in the Six Star Finisher Club — a distinction reserved for those who complete all six of the world’s major marathons: New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.
Currently he’s preparing to run his fourth marathon in Chicago, a challenge he openly calls “the hardest I’ve ever faced.” And for good reason — the last four years have tested David’s mind, body, and spirit in unimaginable ways:
A near-fatal battle with COVID-19 in 2021, which left him in a 9-week coma on a ventilator.
Multiple organ failures, including kidney failure that required 3 years of dialysis.
A successful kidney transplant.
Three separate COVID infections since his transplant.
A diagnosis of skin cancer.
A fractured fibula.
Multiple blood indfusions along the way.
Alongside his physical feats, David is a passionate advocate and fundraiser, working to raise awareness for organ donation, IPF, and patients living with rare or chronic conditions.
Today, David is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his story with audiences across healthcare, business, education, and sport. Whether he’s speaking to corporate leaders, medical professionals, students, or fellow patients, David Crosby Ireland reminds us that strength isn’t about what you can lift — it’s about what you can endure, overcome, and still carry forward.