Ethiopian athletes claim men's and women's titles at Dublin Marathon

Ethiopian athletes claimed both the men’s and women’s titles at the 45th Irish Life Dublin Marathon on Sunday, navigating a challenging course marked by heavy winds and rain. Abay Alemu Lesa secured the men’s victory with a time of 2:10:28, edging out Sweden’s Ebba Tulu Chala by six seconds. In the women’s race, Zenebu Fikdau Jebesa of Ethiopia crossed the line in 2:24:26 to take the crown. The event saw a record participation of 19,190 runners, surpassing previous attendance figures, while organizers reported that over €5.6 million had been raised for various charitable causes. The race began shortly after 8:00 am, following the presentation of the Dublin Lord Mayor Daryl Barron’s Medal. Conditions on the 42.2-kilometer route were described as testing, with strong winds affecting competitors throughout the day. Despite the weather, the atmosphere remained vibrant, with thousands of spectators lining the streets, waving flags, holding posters, and ringing bells to cheer on their loved ones. Many participants hugged friends and family, posed for photographs, and changed into warmer clothing after crossing the finish line at Mount Street Upper. In the men’s competition, Lesa, 22, was the youngest athlete in the international field. His winning time represented a seasonal best for the runner. He was presented with the Noel Carroll Cup after the race. Lesa expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that although the wind made the race difficult, he pushed until the final moments. Behind the elite leaders, there was late drama involving Kenyan runner Enock Kipkemboi, who appeared to be cruising toward the €15,000 first prize before falling near the Royal Dublin Society in Ballsbridge due to feeling unwell. Lesa and Chala closed in on Kipkemboi with three kilometers remaining, with Lesa powering home over the final 500 meters to secure the win. Kipkemboi recovered to finish fourth. Hugh Armstrong of Ballina AC captured the Irish men’s national title, finishing eighth overall in 2:14:51. The 32-year-old, who lives in Portarlington, cited inspiration from Mayo’s recent All-Ireland football final victory. Armstrong, a former Knockmore footballer, stated that witnessing his county’s triumph motivated him to win the national marathon title. He noted that several schoolmates and former teammates had participated in the football final, fueling his determination. Armstrong had previously won the national half marathon in 2024. He was followed by Killian Mooney of Dundrum South Dublin AC, who finished in 2:15:44, and Stephen McCauley of Letterkenny AC, who clocked 2:16:37. In the women’s race, Jebesa, 27, recorded a personal best by 17 seconds. It was her first visit to Ireland, and she expressed happiness with her performance, stating her intention to return next year to defend the title and aim for a course record. The Irish women’s national title was decided in a close finish. Judith Storm of City of Derry Spartans AC won the national championship in 2:35:46, beating West Limerick AC’s Sorcha Nic Dhómhnaill by 12 seconds. Storm, 39, is Scottish-born, has lived in Northern Ireland for 15 years, and holds an Irish passport. She began running only four years ago after the birth of her triplets. Meghan Ryan of Dundrum South Dublin AC placed third in the national rankings with a time of 2:40:47. Kildare Paralympian Patrick Monahan dominated the wheelchair category, securing his ninth title with a time of 1:46:03. Among the general participants, several notable figures completed the course. Track and field Olympian David Gillick ran alongside his wife Charlotte in support of the Goal Global Gaza Crisis Appeal, with the pair crossing the line together in 3:35:58. Former Irish international footballer Aine O’Gorman, running for the Irish Cancer Society, finished in 4:15:41, while former Manchester United player Karel Poborski completed the race in 4:10:39. Long-time participants continued their historic streaks. Martin Kelly, 64, the youngest of the marathon originals, ran for Raheny Shamrocks AC and finished in 4:10:17. Peadar Nugent, 83, was the oldest participant, crossing the finish line in 6:11:50. Emotional stories emerged from the crowd as well. Chris Connolly, known online as Get Better With Chris, shared his experience of overcoming addiction. Having recently run approximately 1,400 kilometers across Spain, Connolly described the marathon as a treat compared to his previous training regimen. He spoke of the importance of connecting with others in vulnerable ways and encouraged people to seek help. Jean Coleman, 61, from Galway, completed her 20th marathon alongside her son, Sean Ryan. Coleman, who received a silver medal in her age category, noted a competitive dynamic with her son, whom she had beaten by seven minutes the previous year but who surpassed her by nine minutes this time. Friends Jenny Keegan and Nicola Brennan, both in their early 40s, also completed their second marathon together, crediting the sight of their children at the 27-kilometer mark for providing a crucial boost during the demanding conditions.