After months of physical and psychological preparation, it was M-day today for up to 9,000 men and women who took part in the Cork City Marathon.
Those running the full marathon were due to gather at St Patrick’s Street at 9am while those taking part in the Tony Brauders Half Marathon were to begin at Victoria Road at 10.45am.
The ambassadors of this year’s marathon are Walking World Champion, Rob Heffernan and his wife, Marian.
This year will see a Guinness Wold Record Challenge by firefighter, Alex O’Shea, who will attempt to break the record for running the full marathon in his full firefighter attire including steel-toed, reinforced fire-fighting boots; fire-retardant pants; and a firefighting jacket; as well as his 3lb firefighter’s helmet and visor. The current record for running a marathon in full firefighting gear is held by Niall Crowley who set the 4:45:16 record at the 2010 Cork City Marathon.
The marathon means traffic restrictions were in place from 8am. Cork city council has advised those entering or leaving the city to use the Ring (N25 South; R635 North) and Link (N27) Roads.
The Jack Lynch Tunnel is open throughout the race but a contra-flow will operate in the southbound tunnel, so traffic flow will be slower than normal. The entire tunnel is expected to be fully operational by 1pm.
The Cork City Marathon was revived in 2007 after a break of 21 years. It includes a full and half marathon, a team relay challenge made up of teams of 2-5 runners and an Inter Services Championship for members of the uniformed services. Last year , a Youth Team Relay was introduced, providing an opportunity for runners between the ages of 16 and 18.
It was decided earlier this year to name Cork’s half marathon, the Tony Brauders Half Marathon in memory of its former Deputy Race Director who passed away suddenly in October 2013.
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