Tommy Hughes bridged a 10year gap when he won the 17th Belfast Marathon over a course which was slightly longer than usual after a security scare.

The 1992 Irish Olympian went straight to the front from the gun and was 100m ahead of Scotsman John Ross and veteran Mario Donnelly after five miles. Hughes was on his own by halfway and went on to claim an easy victory. Ross was troubled by a leg injury in the later stages but hung on to take second, with Dubliner Edward McGrath claiming third after passing Donnelly in the closing stages.

Stockport international Jackie Newton had a comfortable win in the women's race from holder Olive Nolan, with Agnew taking the relay from An Post, while David Young headed the wheelchairs. There were 700 in the marathon, 500 relay teams and 400 in the marathon walk.