When it comes to succeeding in any race, previous form over course and distance is always a big help — so it proved for Gary O’Hanlon and Angela McCann at yesterday’s Irish Examiner Cork City Marathon.

Bus Éireann kindly stepped in to provide transport to bring Sanctuary runners from the Direct Provision centre in Kinsale Road in Cork to Patrick Street today for the city marathon.

They may have relinquished their hold on the team title, but there was ample consolation for East Cork Athletic Club as Tim O’Donoghue powered his way to an impressive victory at the Cork County senior cross-country championships at White’s Cross.