Moroccan Taoufik Allam wins Dublin Marathon

Martin Hoare and Courtney McGuire the first Irishman and woman home.

Sun, 30 Oct, 2022 - 13:29

Adrian Russell

Moroccan athlete Taoufik Allam has won the Dublin Marathon in a time of 2:11:30 today.

Allam came home more than two minutes ahead of second-placed Ashenafi Boja of Ethiopia (2:13:59)

Fellow Ethiopian Birhanu Teshome was third in a time of 2:14:26.

“I want to thank the volunteers and my coach. I am very happy to win the race, I trained a lot in Morocco,” Allam said after the race.

Nigist Muluneh, also from Ethiopia, took the women's title in 2:28:32 while her compatriot Hawi Alemu Negeri (2:29:36) took second.

Martin Hoare of Celbridge AC was first Irishman around (2:20:21) and Clonmel's Courtney McGuire was the quickest Irishwoman in a time of 2:32:50.

Hoare finished seventh overall in a personal best time and the 35-year-old accountant was thrilled with his performance.

“It’s amazing," he said. "To be honest I didn’t really think it was possible today. I said I’d just go with the pace and see where I ended up. About halfway through, I felt strong, and it started breaking up a bit. We got to nineteen miles, and I pushed on.

“I didn’t really think I was going to be national champion; this is a dream.”

Secondary school teacher Conor Gallagher of St. Malachy’s AC won national silver in what was only his second ever marathon (2:22:56), while just three years after a serious accident Croghan AC’s Sean Hehir won bronze (2:24:19).

Courtney McGuire’s podium position ensured that she took national honours in what was her debut marathon.

“I only decided to do it about two months ago," said the 23-year-old is currently studying for a Masters at the University of Limerick. "My team kept me going. They really meant a lot to me over the past couple of months.

"I felt a lot better than I thought I would after a marathon, so we’ll stay with this. I’m a little bit overwhelmed but I’m delighted that I did it.”

Ann-Marie McGlynn of Letterkenny AC won national silver (2:33:46), with Gladys Ganiel of North Belfast Harriers (2:42:15) winning bronze.

Thousands returned to streets with a record number at the starting line of the 2022 Irish Life Dublin Marathon after a two-year absence due to Covid restrictions with hundreds of thousands of supporters lining the route to cheer on runners of all abilities.