Huge crowds cheer on Dublin’s 22km marathon runners – some famous faces were spotted and a new course record was set
Over 22,500 heroes put their bodies to the test in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon today.
The 42nd running of the Dublin Marathon started at 8:40am from Fitzwilliam Square Upper.
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A host of famous faces were spotted at this year’s event, including comedian Jarlath Regan, Olympian David Gillick, radio presenters Carl Mullan (2FM), Venetia Quick (Q102), Kieron Cuddihy (Newstalk) and Aishling Bonner (SPIN 1038’s breakfast show).
With prize money of over 100,000 euros, thousands of runners set out to claim national titles in the senior men’s and women’s categories, masters categories and team prizes.
Runners ran the 26.2 mile route, enjoying views of the James Joyce Bridge, through Stoneybatter before reaching Phoenix Park.
They passed Chapelizod, Inchicore, Dolphin’s Barn, Crumlin, Terenure, Busky Park and UCD before arriving back in the city center.
The Ethiopian Kemal Husen set a new course record with 2:06.52.
Geofrey Kusuro of Uganda was second in 2:10.45 and Stephen Scullion of Ireland was third in 2:11.51.
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon was one of the first city marathons in Europe to allow disabled wheelchair users to take part.
Patrick Monahan was the winner of the wheelchair race.
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Sorome Negash of Ethiopia became the first woman to cross the finish line in 2:26.22.
Joan Kipyatich of Kenya was second in 2:27.04 and Genet Habela Abdurkadir of Ethiopia was third in 2:27.49.
Letterkenny AC’s Ann Marie McGlynn took the national title as the first Irish woman to cross the finish line in 2:34.13.
Among those in attendance was a mother of three battling stage four cancer.
Rita Casey was presented with the Mayor’s Medal by Daithí de Róiste.
Rita received over 40 nominations from family and friends for her bravery and bravery in battling stage four cancer and striving to live as normal a life as possible for her three girls.
“INCREDIBLE SPIRIT”
Rita, a keen runner and member of An Garda Síochána, is running the Dublin Marathon for the fifth time.
She was part of the “blue line” that ran alongside her Gardaí colleague.
Many of those who nominated Rita said she showed incredible spirit and the ability to give hope to everyone around her.
The Mayor of Dublin presented her medal at the start.
He said: “The Lord Mayor’s Medal, presented at the Dublin Marathon, is about honoring people who have shown true resilience and determination and Rita is an example of this.
“Despite her own health problems, she is running the Irish Life Dublin Marathon to raise funds for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice, which is a truly heroic act.”
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The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is made possible with the support of An Garda Síochána, Dublin Fire Brigade, the National Transport Authority and the HSE.
Local authorities also play a key role in the delivery of the event, including Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Department of Public Works.
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