Ndungu retains Dublin Marathon crown
Kenya’s Geofrey Ndungu successfully reclaimed his Dublin Marathon title in a time of 2:11:09 this afternoon.
An enthralling 26.2-mile battle played out on the Dublin roads also saw redemption for Maria McCambridge and the birth of new star in Paul Pollock.
Belfast man Pollock, making his debut over this distance, surprisingly took the lead at the top of the Phoenix Park just as the athletes met the 8 mile stage.
Pollock tired after his eight-mile burst to cross the half way point in 67:03, leaving the fast-moving Africans to take control of the race.
It was at the 20-mile stage where it became a battle between two Keynans and a Ethopian.
Defending champion Ndungu, pre-race favourite Robert Kipchumba and Ethopian Abdisa Beddada were the measure of each other as they passed UCD in 1.49.15 with around 10km to go.
It was a telling move by the defending champion Ndungu with just over two miles to go which neither Kipchumba or Beddada could respond to which saw him come home in a time of 2:11:09.
“I knew I was strong. I started pushing at 39Km”. When asked if he kept his eye on the clock the Keynan said “I just run to win”, “anytime I come to Dublin I want to win this race.”
Belfast man Paul Pollock’s blistering start was no mean fluke and saw him become the first Irishman home.
The 27-year-old marathon debutant clocked a time of 2:16:30, inside the qualifying time for next year's World Championships.
“I just decided to go for it,” Pollock said after the race, admitting that he had not trained for the classic distance in the traditional way, after impressing with half-marathon performances in the lead up to the race.
It was an impressive performance which delighted race organiser Jim Aughney, who has paid special attention to improving Irish marathon running.
The women’s race was cooly won by another Kenyan, Magdalene Mukunza, clocking 2:30:47 on the cold Dublin Bank Holiday roads.
Mukunza took control of the race early and was 23 seconds clear of her countrywoman Faith Chernaoi.
The distance took its toll on the strong front-running Keynan who was huddled in the athletes tent after the race, barely able to speak to the waiting media but humbled by her Dublin victory.
It was a case of redemption for Maria McCambridge who was the first Irishwoman home in 2:35:28.
McCambridge who was the controversial exclusion from the Irish Olympic team for the London games has worked tirelessly through the summer and should be rewarded with a berth at the World Championships in Russia in August.
McCambridge’s hard work paid off - she now stands on a new personal best, one second better than before.
“I’m just so happy to come back to Dublin, As soon as the Olympics weren’t on, I just put my head down and prepared for this”.
“I just raced, we just started off slow”. “It was totally different then what I had planned.” “Its not the Olympics but I’m delighted just to get here”
A total of 14,535 athletes took to the Dublin roads at 9am with over 5,000 charities being represented.
1. Geofrey Kipchumba – Kenya – 2:11:09
2. Robert Kipchumba – Kenya – 2:11:27
3. Abdisa Bedada – Ethopia – 2:11:31
1.Paul Pollock – Belfast – 2:16:30
2. Sean Hehir – Claire – 2:17:35
3. Barry Minnock – Wexford – 2:18:45
1.Magadalene Mukunza – Kenya – 2:30:47
2. Faith Chernaoi – Kenya – 2:31:10
3.Natalia Punchkova - Russia - 2:31:43
1. Maria McCambridge – Dublin – 2:35:28
2.Barabara Sanchez – Dublin – 2:42:11
3. Pauline Curley – Offaly – 2:45:54
1. Luke Powell – Wales – 2:03:29
2. Richie Powell – Ireland – 2:10:50
3. Paul Hannan – Ireland - 2:13:06
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