Ciobanu wins Cork marathon for second year running

Moldovian Sergiu Ciobanu has won the 2011 Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon in a record time of 2:25:34, beating the official record he set last year for the marathon by 20 seconds.

Ciobanu, of Clonliffe Harriers, was the reigning champion, having won the race last year in a then-record time of 2:25:54. He is also the reigning national marathon champion in Ireland.

The first woman over the line was Angela McCann of Clonmel AC who finished with a time of 2:53:31, beating last year’s time of of 2:54:41 set by Lucy Brennan.

The winner of the inaugural 2011 Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Half Marathon event was TJ McHugh of Mayo AC who recorded a time of 1:12:51. The ladies winner of the Half Marathon was Lizzie Lee of Leevale AC who recorded a time of 1:19:45.

The first relay team to complete the race was The River Gold Road Runners who recorded a finish time of 2:19:57. The team was made up of five runners including Alan O’Shea from Bantry, winner of the full marathon in 2007.

An estimated 8,500 people participated in this year’s Bord Gáis Energy Cork City Marathon with thousands more supporters lining the route to cheers on those taking part.

Irish athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan also took part this year, doing the full marathon at a walk despite an injured calf.

“Cork is one of my favourite places in the world to run," O'Sullivan said.

" I was delighted to take part this year along with those who signed up to run with Team Sonia to raise funds for the Children’s Leukaemia Association, which supports and assists families during the course of their child’s treatment at the Mercy Hospital, Cork.

"This was my first full marathon in a decade and I enjoyed myself hugely. The atmosphere on the course was extraordinary, a huge buzz. Thanks to everyone for coming out. My congrats to Sergiu and to Angela on coming first in the men’s and women’s marathon.”