Ciobanu breaks record again

NATIONAL champion, Sergiu Ciobanu shaved 20 seconds off the course record which he set last year to retain the Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon title yesterday in 2:25:34 and now sets his sights on Olympic qualification.

The Clonliffe Harriers man was chased home by Corkmen Alan Foolkes (Leevale AC), 2:31:03 and Colin Merritt (Carraig na bhFear), 2:31:59, with Wieslaw Sosnowski (Eagle AC) fourth in 2:32:47.

Ciobanu, who hails from Moldova, does not yet have his Irish passport but has been living in Ireland for five years during which time he has won all the major marathon titles including two national championships.