Ruth Kutol 2003
Kenya’s Onesmus Kilonzo broke free from a group of seven runners in the late stages of the 24th Adidas Dublin Marathon to take victory in a time of two hours 17 minutes and four seconds.
The women’s event was won by another Kenyan, Ruth Kudol, who set a new women’s course record and became the first woman to run under two hours and 30 minutes with a time of two hours 27 minutes and 22 seconds.
More than 8,000 runners travelled from 40 countries to take part in the event, which was in its 24th year.
They were led home by Onesmus Kilonzo, who scooped first place on his first trip to Dublin with a time of two hours 17 minutes, four seconds.
His compatriot Ruth Kutol was first home in the women’s race, smashing last years course record in style, becoming the first woman to rub sub 2h 30. It was an extremely fast women’s race, with no. 2 Yelen’s Burykina of Russia also running sub 2h30, finishing in 2:28.10.
The first Irishman home was Gary Crossan of Letterkenny, Co Donegal, in 2:20:27. His Letterkenny teammate Pauric McKinney finished 10th, in 2:24:18, while veteran John Griffen, who won the race in 1988 and 89, ran a superb race to come in 11th, 3rd Irish man home, with a time of 2:24:20.
“They got away at two miles and I was on my own for the last 24 miles. That is a long way to go by yourself. I am shattered now,” said Crossan.
While the first Irish woman was Annette Kealy, of Malahide, Co Dublin, with a time of 2:42:55. This was Kealy’s debut marathon.
More than 5,000 runners travelled from overseas for the event, among them 90-year-old American Fenya Crown, who took up marathon running at the age of 70.
Marathon spokeswoman Maire Scully said the good weather attracted thousands of spectators to the course.
“It is way up on last year,” she said.
“There were huge crowds gathered around the entertainment stages, it really makes a difference.
“There was good support, particularly around the 18- to 20-mile mark where the runners really need it.
“Dubliners have been lining the route all the way along.”
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