AS ALMOST 10,000 people laced up their runners to take part in the 10th annual Cork City Marathon yesterday, spectators lined the route to cheer them home to a triumphant finish on Patrick Street.
Cork City Marathon winner Philip Harty. Pic: Jim Coughlan.
Dungarvan fireman Philip Harty took first place in the full marathon, completing the 26.2-mile course in 2 hours and 32 minutes and 59 seconds, followed shortly after by the fastest Cork man, Eoin Sugrue, a physiotherapist from Banteer.
Nollaigh O’Neill, from Passage West, held on to her title as fastest woman from last year, crossing the finish line in 3 hours and 41 seconds, despite worrying that she would have to pull out due to a recent ankle injury.
Nollaigh O’Neill, Leevale AC. Pic: Jim Coughlan.
The half marathon was won by Peter Somba in a time of 1 hour, 11 minutes and 20 seconds with Aoife Cooke from Youghal the first female to finish in a time of 1 hour, 25 minutes and 29 seconds.
Leevale Athletics Club came first in the relay category, crossing the line after 2 hours and 23 minutes.
A major feat on the day was the smashing of a Guinness World Record by Damien Coleman from Blackrock GAA Club.
The college lecturer cut an hour and a half off the record of running a marathon while soloing a sliotar on a hurley, raising funds for his club and Cork Simon Community.
Damien Coleman at the Cork City Marathon. Pic: Darragh Kane.
Not all impressive finishes were dependent on speed, as Wexford couple Kay and Joe O’Regan, both 80 years old, proved.
With 142 marathons between them, the inspirational pair crossed the finish line hand in hand, as they announced their retirement from the sport.
80-year-old husband and wife Joe and Kay O’Regan, Wexford who completed another marathon in the Irish Examiner Cork City marathon yesterday. Pic: Eddie O’Hare
Kay, who puts their good health down to plenty of fruit and vegetables, and giving up alcohol, said that she found the race much easier than her husband did, admitting that she “held back for him”.
“I’ve more staying power,” she quipped as they were congratulated at the finish line.
“I think women are like that!”
Kay and Joe O’Regan cross the finishing line of the 1986 London Marathon, hand in hand.
For five cancer survivors, yesterday’s race was emotional as they remembered teammates from previous relays who were no longer with them.
John Quigley from Douglas, who established the group, was running the race for his eighth year with the aim of inspiring hope in other people touched by cancer.
“The whole idea is to inspire people that there can be life after a cancer diagnosis.
“A lot of people think when you’ve been diagnosed with cancer you’re finished. It doesn’t have to be the case.
“Unfortunately, it is for some but we’re trying to show people if they are dealing with it in their daily lives that it’s good to get out.”
Una Murphy Plant, Kinsale Tri Club, with children running towards the finish line on Patrick Street. Pic: Jim Coughlan.
Speaking at the finish line of Cork City Marathon 2016, Race Director Jim O’Donovan congratulated “each and every one that crossed the finish line”.
“It’s a huge achievement, and particular thanks to those who ran for charity raising significant funds for a variety of great causes.”
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