Over 40,000 women took part in the Women’s mini-marathon this afternoon while close to 10,000 people ran in the Cork City marathon this morning.
Rosemary Ryan was first across the line in a time of 34 minutes 36 seconds – more than a minute faster than last year’s winning time.
Offaly woman Pauline Curley came in second place, a full minute behind the winner and 40 year-old Annette Kealy from Raheny ran in third in 36:03, with Siobhan O’Doherty from Tipperary fourth in 36:41.
The 27th Flora Women’s Mini Marathon attracted over 40,000 entrants. A number of roads were shut since 6am onwards to facilitate the race including St Stephen’s Green, Earlsfort Terrace. Lower Leeson Street, Hatch St, Fitzwilliam Place, Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Street, Kildare Street and on Nutley Lane.
Thousands of people lined the streets on the route to witness friends and families taking part in today's race, which began at 3pm
Elsewhere, the Bord Gáis Cork City marathon, which started at 9am this morning was won by a first-time entrant.
Michael Herlihy (28) from Charleville, won the marathon in a time of 02:30:36. The first female over the finish line was last year’s winner, 50-year-old Lucy Brennan from Sligo in a time of 02:51:25
The winning relay team was Iveragh, a five man team from Kerry led across
the line by Cian Murphy of Caherciveen, in a time of 02:19:44.
Traffic diversions were in place this morning and motorists are advised that the Blackpool bypass will remain closed from Thomas Davis Street into the city until about 10.30pm.