Ciobanu cruises home in record time

SERGIU CIOBANU (Clonliffe Harriers) battled his way through incessant wind and rain to claim victory in yesterday’s Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon setting a course record at 2:25.54.

The Moldovan, who came to Ireland five years ago had just over four minutes to spare from his nearest rival, Galway international, Paul McNamara (Athenry AC), after the pair had fought it out for the first half of the race.

The inclement conditions failed to dampen the spirits of the 10,000 participants who assembled in Patrick Street for the start and hundreds of supporters thronged the changeover points to cheer on the relay runners.