Kenyans take control in Dublin marathon

The bank holiday sunshine drew thousands of spectators to line the streets for Dublin's annual marathon today.

The bank holiday sunshine drew thousands of spectators to line the streets for Dublin's annual marathon today.

More than 8,000 runners travelled from 40 countries to take part in the event, which is in its 24th year.

They were led home by Kenyan Onesmus Kilonzo, who scooped first place on his first trip to Dublin with a time of 2:17:04.

Team-mate Ruth Kutol was the first woman home and shattered the course record by more than five minutes with a time of 2:27:22.

READ MORE

She said: "I feel great. The weather was good but the course was very tough. I had a lot of support from the audience.

"I knew I would win because I have been training hard over the summer."

The first Irishman home was Gary Crossan of Letterkenny, Co Donegal, in 2:20:27 while the first Irishwoman was Annette Kealy, of Malahide, Co Dublin, with a time of 2:42:55.

Crossan, who took sixth place, said: "I'm delighted. They got away at two miles and I was on my own for the last 24 miles. That's a long way to go by yourself. I'm shattered now."

More than 5,000 runners travelled from overseas for the event, among them 90-year-old American Fenya Crown, who took up marathon running at the age of 70.

Marathon spokeswoman Maire Scully said the good weather attracted thousands of spectators to the course.

She said: "It's way up on last year. There were huge crowds gathered around the entertainment stages, it really makes a difference.

"There was good support, particularly around the 18-to 20-mile mark where the runners really need it.

"Dubliners have been lining the route all the way along."

A spokesman for Dublin Tourism said the event sent out a very positive image of Dublin.

He said: "The event is being broadcast in 40 countries. It's a great day for the city."

It is expected that the marathon will have generated 10 million euros for the city's economy over the October bank holiday weekend.