Russian Sokolov sets new record to win Dublin Marathon 2006. A Russian runner today broke the record for Dublin City Marathon by a minute and a half. Aleskey Sokolov completed the 26 mile course in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 39 seconds.
Fellow Russian Alina Ivanova also took the top spot in the women's event, crossing the line in 2:29:49.
It was the first time either runner had taken part in the Dublin marathon, which attracted 10,500 participants from 60 different countries.
"It feels great," said the winner through an interpreter. "It was a good course and the race went very well for me."
Four other competitors completed the gruelling race in under 2 hours 15 minutes, with more than 100 of the top runners crossing the line in less than three hours.
Around 5,500 Irish runners also pounded the streets, with Cian McLoughlin and Jill Shannon taking the top positions in the mens and women's section.
"It was a good course," said Cian, 31, of Clonliffe Harriers. "Our rhythm would change with the wind, which would be against us and as we circled a corner came behind us, but generally conditions were good."
Although his first time running in Dublin, Cian has taken part in marathons all over the Europe including Frankfurt, Vienna, Berlin and London. His personal best is 2 hours 18 minutes.
Jill, 24, from Belfast, a member of Lagan Valley Athletic Club, crossed the line just seconds ahead of last year's Irish women's winner Pauline Curley from Tullamore.
"It was never uncomfortable and I was never out of breath, but the last mile and a half was the hardest," said Jill, whose first marathon it was.
"My legs are aching, I don't know where my little sprint from the end came from.
"I would take part in one again, but not for a while. The training is draining."
Competitors left the starting line to the sounds of samba bands, and made their way through the streets of Dublin.
The weather conditions were perfect, with dry skies and light winds a complete contrast to last year's heavy rain and wind.
Supporters were also cheered as the runners pushed themselves with an energetic sprint across the finish line.
Richie Powell, from Wales, was first across the line in the wheelchair section, coming home in just under 1 hour 55 minutes.
The 35-year-old, who won the Dublin event when he last took part in it in 1994, will fly over to New York on Friday to compete in another marathon next Sunday.
"It was absolutely brilliant," he said. "I am very pleased with my performance."
Race Director Jim Aughney said the event had passed fabulously.
"The race record broke here today was great," said Mr Aughney.
"It was a very brave run by him.
"He went out on his own from a very early stage and ran practically solo all the way.
"He did at least eight or nine miles at a five minute pace, he really ran very hard."
Mr Aughney said mild weather conditions and home competitors brought more supporters out to line the streets.
"We have a bigger Irish field taking part this year, with 5,500 in the race, so family, friends and neighbours are all coming out to support them," he added.
"We have had very good support around the track."
Results:
Wheelchair race:
Richie Powell -- Wales -- 1:54:
Men's overall:
1. Aleksey Sokolov -- Russia -- 2:11:39
2. Oleksandr Kuzin -- Ukraine -- 2:13:11
3. Edwin Komen -- Kenya -- 2:13:26
Men's Irish:
1. Cian McLoughlin -- 2:22:37
2. Paul McNamara -- 2:25:44
3. Pauric McKinney -- 2:28:51
Women's overall:
1. Alina Ivanova -- Russia -- 2:29:49
2. Hayley Haining -- Scotland -- 2:31:51
3. Larisa Zyusko -- Russia -- 2:33:09
Women's Irish:
1. Jill Shannon -- 2:42:46
2. Pauline Curley -- 2:42:48
3. Lisa M Daane -- 2:45:38
The winner took home a cash prize of €106,400 with a bonus of €3,000 for a new course record.
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DUBLIN MARATHON 2011 FIRST FINISHERS AND RUNNERS UNDER 3 HOURSby bloggs141,684 views
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