The Block’s Dani reflects on emotional achievement in honour of daughter Billie

The Block’s Dani Reilly has shared an incredible update, confirming that she finished the New York City Marathon in memory of her daughter Billie. 

At just over six months postpartum, through grief, and with just three months training, she did it with husband Dan Reilly, their son Fletcher and family cheering her on from the streets. 

Earlier this year the couple explained she was going to do the marathon to raise money for Billie’s Besties, a charity she and Dan founded in memory of their daughter.

Dani had originally planned to do the marathon in 2024 but fell pregnant with Billie, so put the plans on hold.

But after finally completing the run, she reflected on the experience in an emotional post on Instagram, admitting that while it wasn’t the time she wanted, looking at the bigger picture it was an incredible experience. 

“5 hours, 43 minutes, 42.2km and an experience I’ll never forget,” the post started. 

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“I came to New York with a goal of running a sub 4:30 marathon. Unfortunately, my ongoing ITB injury had other plans.

“By 13km the pain had well and truly kicked in, and by 24km I could barely walk. Every attempt to run ended with my knee giving way, and what I’d hoped would be the race of my life became a very long, painful walk to the finish line.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. I worked so hard to get here, and not being able to give it the crack I’d dreamed of was heartbreaking.”

But despite the setbacks, Dani said it was “magic” and the “energy of New York is something else”. 

“And my favourite moment of the entire race? Seeing my beautiful Fletch’s smiling face at mile 7, when I was still feeling good. A moment I’ll hold onto forever,” she continued. 

“More than anything, I’m just incredibly grateful. Grateful to be here, to have had this opportunity, to experience something so extraordinary and, despite everything, to cross that finish line.” 

Dani went on to thank the friends and family who supported her and all of those who generously donated to Billie’s Besties. 

“This marathon was always about so much more than a finish time. It was about Billie, about making a difference, and about doing something I once couldn’t have imagined,” the post continued. 

“And when I look back at what it took just to get here… Two babies born via C-section in 16 months. 6.5 months postpartum. 22 months of navigating grief.

“Over two years since I’d last run. Just three months to train.

“When I think about everything my body, heart and mind have been through, maybe the biggest achievement wasn’t my finishing time. Maybe it was simply getting to that start line.

“It wasn’t the race I’d planned, but I’m so bloody glad I did it. I’ll be back!”

The post also included snaps from her time running the marathon and celebrations afterwards.

Dani was flooded with messages of support and congratulations on achieving such a huge feat, with so many celebrating her strength.

Dan and Dani welcomed their son Fletcher in April, a little more than one year after losing Billie.

During an interview with Today in September the couple opened up about parenthood and keeping Billie’s memory alive.

“After Billie, we cherish every moment with this little man,” he said.

“Even the hard ones,” Dani chimed in.

Dani confessed that whenever she’s told she “can’t or shouldn’t” do something, it only makes her more determined to get it done – which was another driving force for the marathon.

Dani remembered their daughter in a touching Instagram post days after they announced Fletcher’s arrival, writing that Billie would have been “the best big sister”.

“16 months since you transitioned from this life into the next, in my arms, and it feels particularly heavy today as I hold your brother in the same way against my chest,” the mum of two wrote.

“A feeling I’ll never be able to accurately explain – longing for one while celebrating the other. One only possible without the other.”

She and Dan have been very intentional about including Billie in their son’s life since he arrived five months ago.

The Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line is available 24/7 for anyone affected by the loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth or death of a baby or child on 1300 308 307.