Record entry in ‘friendly marathon’ despite cold

DUBLIN lived up to its reputation for hosting the “friendly marathon” yesterday as a record entry of more than 11,700 runners took part in the annual race around the streets of the capital in a good-humoured event that was enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.

A cold, crisp morning with some strong breezes and temperatures falling as low as 6C meant race conditions were not exactly ideal, although the weather did little to deter the thousands of spectators who gathered along the 26.2-mile route to cheer on the runners.

Large crowds greeted the athletes at various vantage points around the course, with the ranks of bystanders swelling in the city centre as the runners made their way from Trinity College to the finish line at Merrion Square.