Record charity funding as thousands run Cork marathon

The Cork City Marathon has been won by Polish runner Pawel Kosek, while the first woman across the line was Aoife Cooke.

Pawel finished ahead of a field of more than 10,000 entries in a time of 2:23:54. His win caps an incredible eight days personally, after he got married last Saturday.

“I’m very happy and not really tired,” he told RTÉ News after the race.

Aoife Cooke – a former women’s national marathon title winner from Eagle Athletic Club in Cork – finished in a time of 2:56:33.

“It feels incredible,” Aoife said afterwards. “It’s a marathon I always wanted to race, being the home marathon, so that feels really good to have won it this year.”

More than 80,000 litres of water and energy drinks were laid on for competitors, along with 15,000 bananas and 120,000 jellybeans to keep them energised.

This year’s marathon had 550 international participants hailing from over 26 countries.

More than 500 volunteers helped organise and supervise the event.

The 10k race was won by Michal Wojcik in a time of 31:22, with Niamh O’Mahony from An Riocht Athletic Club in Kerry winning the women’s 10K in a time of 35:25.

Race Director Eamon Hayes said a record €150,000 had already been raised for local and national charities.

“This has been the best year yet for numbers, fundraising and for the overall success of the festival,” he said.