Blood, sweat, and tears: Cork City Marathon runners speak movingly about what drives them on

For many runners, the challenge isn't just the long miles — for them, completing the race is the culmination of a much longer emotional journey too, writes SARAH HORGAN

Aaron Horan struggled to contain his emotions as he crossed the finish line of the 2024 Cork City Marathon on St Patrick's Street. Small wonder: Three years ago, Aaron was told he would never run again. Picture: Chani Anderson

There was blood, sweat, but mostly a lot of tears at yesterday’s Cork City Marathon as participants shed light on some of their heartbreaking motivations for taking part.

Some 10,000 people took part in the race, many with their own unique and fascinating stories.