Star Performance as 2011 National Lottery Dublin Marathon breaks records

A record 14,000 runners, joggers, walkers, pumpkins, skeletons and a host of superheroes set off from Fitzwilliam Street earlier this morning for the 32nd edition of the National Lottery Dublin Marathon.

Geoffrey Ndungu of Kenya was the first over the line in Merrion Square just before mid-day, setting a new course record of 2:08:33, 25 seconds faster than the previous record set by fellow Kenyan Moses Kangogo Kibet last year.

The elite race was dominated by the Kenyan’s this year, with the first six over the line all Kenyan’s. Gilbert Kiptoo (2:09:50) and Jacob Kiplaget Yator, (2:10:23) were 2nd and 3rd respectively, while last year’s winner and the previous course record holder Moses Kangogo Kibet finished 5th.

The womens race was won by Helalia Johannes of Namibia in 2:30:35.

First Irish person home and the new Irish National Champion is Sean Connolly (Tallaght AC), who finished in 2:18:52 (12th overall), placing him just outside the Olympic qualifying time. However, there was double celebrations for the women’s National Champion Linda Byrne, (DSD), who clocked a personal best of 2:36:21, inside the women’s qualification for London 2012.

This year marked a return to live television for the first time in 20 years, with RTE1 broadcasting live from 9.15am- 13.35pm, and the sense of occasion and excitement was palpable around the 26.2 mile route.


The rain held off till after the elite competitors were home, but the main field were not so lucky. But the heavy rain didn’t dampen either the entrants or the supporter’s spirits, with Dubliners yet again out in force the cheer the runners on. Today’s race was the 5th Dublin Marathon to fall on Halloween, and a huge number of runners and supporters got in the Halloween spirit, with some unusual costumes including a very brazen “mankini” to be seen around the course.

This year the organisers acknowledge the special efforts of one particular entrant with the inaugural Lord Mayor’s Marathon Medal being awarded to Parkinson’s sufferer and campaigner Margaret Mullarney by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Andrew Montague.

Speaking after the race, National Lottery Dublin Marathon Race Director Jim Aughney said, “We’re thrilled that this year’s race attracted such fantastic numbers and indeed another course record. I’d like to thank all of the competitors, supporters and volunteers for their participation. In particular I must pay special thanks to the National Lottery whose sponsorship has enabled the continued growth and success of the Dublin Marathon and without whose support the race could not happen”.


2011 National Lottery Dublin Marathon Results:

Men:

Geoffrey Ndungu, Kenya, 2:08:33
Gilbert Kiptoo, Kenya, 2:09:50
Jacob Kiplaget Yator Kenya, 2:10:23

Women:

Helalia Johannes, Namibia, 2:30:35
Emily Rotich, Kenya, 2:32:10
Radiya Adilo, Ethiopia, 2:32:22


Wheelchair: Paul Hannon, UK, 2:13:58

Irish Men:

Sean Connolly, Tallaght AC, 2:18:52
Serguiu Ciobanu, Clonliffe Harriers, 2:20:56
Alan O’Shea, Bantry, 2:23:22

Irish Women:

Linda Byrne, Dundrum South Dublin, 2:36:21
Maria McCambridge, Dundrum South Dublin, 2:40:24
Gladys Ganiel, Antrim 2:42:43