Ukrainian Andriy Naumov wins Dublin marathon

Andriy Naumov of the Ukraine has won the Dublin marathon in a time of 2:11:06 as a record field of some 11,700 people took to the streets of the capital this morning.

Thomas Omwenga from Kenya was second-placed in the men's race, 1.23 behind Naumov in 2:12:29, while Tomas Abyu of Britain finished third in a time of 2:13:06.

Larissa Zousko from Russia won the women's event with a time of 2:29:55. Zousko, who finished second last year, passed leader Haile Kebebush from Ethiopia in the final last mile and stayed in front of Kebebush by a mere eight seconds at the finish.

Third home in the women's race was another Ethiopian athlete in Hadish Letay Negash (2:31:13).

The first Irish male and female athletes in were Michael O'Connor (2:20:49) and Maria McCambridge ( 2:36:33) respectively.

The event started at 8.50am with the wheelchair entrants, followed by the elite and then the general field at 9am amid cold but sunny conditions.

There was a major increase in Irish runners in this year's event. Over recent years over half the field has come from overseas, but Irish runners make up 57 per cent of this year's entrants. More women than ever ran this year's race, with women making up one-third of the field.

To ensure that the event runs smoothly, 800 stewards are on duty along the 26.2-mile route.

Traffic diversions are in place with major restrictions on Merrion Square, Nassau Street and St Stephen's Green. The race starts on Fitzwilliam Square East and finishes on Merrion Square West.

Also among those doing the marathon are Tyrone's Peter Canavan and Galway hurler Alan Kerins, in addition to Mary Hickey Nolan, the only woman to have run in all Dublin marathons to date with this being her 29th race.

Lord Iveagh, Arthur Edward Guinness, ran the marathon dressed as the famous Guinness toucan to raise funds for the charitable Iveagh Trust.

The late Noel Carroll, co-founder of the Dublin marathon, was remembered as his children Noel, Stephen, Nicola and Enda took part in the race to mark the 10th anniversary of his death. They are raising funds for Goal's Noel Carroll Building in Calcutta.

For more information on road closures and traffic diversions, see www.aaroadwatch.ie/events or www.dublinmarathon.ie