Thousands line up for Phoenix Park run

Thousands of budding athletes are to descend on Dublin’s Phoenix Park today for the annual 10-mile race.

Some 2,200 runners pre-registered for the challenge breaking all previous records.

Jim Aughney, adidas Dublin Marathon and series director, said: “Less than five years ago, this race was attracting entries of around 300 runners – look at it now.

“It’s phenomenal. Running socially, and taking part in road races has really taken off – with a huge increase in the number of females participating.”

Organisers are expecting several hundred people to register to run on the day.

A number of elite runners are lined up for the race including Gary Crossan from Letterkenny AFC, Ireland’s top finisher in the marathon for the past six years and Peter Matthews, who was the runner up in last month’s five-mile challenge.