Gemechu and Lehonkova claim victories in the Dublin City Marathon

The Dublin City Marathon has been won in a time of two hours, 14 minutes and just one second.

Alemu Gemechu of Ethiopia was the first man to cross the line.

Ukranian runner Nataliya Lehonkova was victorious in the women’s race in two and half hours flat.

Nataliya Lehonkova, from the Ukraine, on her way to winning the during the Dublin City Marathon. Picture: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE

Patrick Monahan won the men’s wheelchair race and the first Irish athlete to cross the line was Sean Hehir in two hours, 19 minutes and 47 seconds.

Patrick Monaghan after winning the wheelchair group at the Dublin City Marathon. Picture: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE

Cork athlete Sonia O'Sullivan won the race in 2000, she was back out today running for charity, but added she will be looking forward to the finish.

“It’s known as one of the friendliest marathons,” said O’Sullivan.

A general view as runners start the race during the Dublin City Marathon. Picture: Seb Daly / SPORTSFILE

“I suppose Dublin will be familiar to a lot of the people running and they’ll all have a section of the course that they know. That’s the part you look forward to, you’ll be looking to run well there.

“Fortunately for me the section I know quite well is towards the end. I’ll be looking forward to getting there and seeing a few friends.”