'This is the flag that saved my life' - Tonosa full of thanks after smashing marathon record

Ethiopian-born Tonosa ran with the leaders for much of the race and only found two rivals too strong: Kenya's Moses Kemei (2:08:47) and Ethiopia's Abebaw Desalew (2:09:24).

Sun, 27 Oct, 2024 - 16:59

Cathal Dennehy

Emotions always run high at the end of a marathon, and that was the case for Hiko Tonosa on the streets of the capital yesterday. The 29-year-old produced the run of his life to break the national record at the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, winning the national title and finishing third overall in 2:09:42.

Tonosa ran with the leaders for much of the race and only found two rivals too strong: Kenya's Moses Kemei (2:08:47) and Ethiopia's Abebaw Desalew (2:09:24). He passed halfway with the leaders in 1:04:12 and fended off several challengers to secure a memorable podium finish. "It was a fantastic day," he said. "I'm back from lots of injuries. I was thinking to run 2:08 and I knew it would be difficult, but it was my plan to get the Irish record. I'm so happy."

It took seven seconds off the previous national record of 2:09:49, run by Stephen Scullion in London in 2020. The quickest Irish performance ever remains the 2:09:15 run by John Treacy in Boston in 1988, a course which is not eligible for records due to its net elevation drop.

For Tonosa, it was the proudest day in his adopted home city. He grew up in Ethiopia and came to Ireland in 2017 for two track races, but while in Dublin he was informed his friend had been killed for protesting against the persecution of the Oromo people. Having previously been imprisoned for attending a similar protest, Tonosa was told his life would be under threat if he returned home and so he sought asylum in Ireland and was placed in direct provision.

He was soon put in touch with Dundrum South Dublin AC and he’s since won a slew of national titles in their colours. He gained Irish citizenship in 2020 and represented Ireland at European and world level but fell short of Olympic qualification at the London Marathon in April, Tonosa forced to drop out late in the race.

Draped in the tricolour, he got a rousing reception from the crowds near the finish yesterday. "Thanks to all the Irish behind me, helping me. I was thinking to get the Irish flag around 1km to go, I couldn't find it, but I know I can hold this flag. This is the one (country) that saved my life."

Ryan Creech of Leevale was the next Irishman home, clocking 2:13:49 to finish ninth, with William Maunsell behind him in 2:14:23.

Ann-Marie McGlynn of Letterkenny AC claimed back-to-back national titles in the women's race, clocking 2:34:05 to finish sixth overall. "Last year meant a lot, I thought it meant the world and this year means more," said the 44-year-old. "It's hard to come back as defending champion, your card is marked, everyone is coming for you and it was mine to lose, but I wasn't losing that today."

Ethiopians swept the podium, with Asmirach Nega taking victory in a course record of 2:24:13 ahead of Sorome Negash (2:24:45) and Grete Dukale (2:28:29). Sligo's Aoife Kilgallon was the second Irishwoman, eighth in a PB of 2:35:56, with Grace Lynch just behind in ninth with 2:36:09.

Elsewhere, Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha broke the world half marathon record in Valencia, clocking 57:30, while in the women's race Kenya's Agnes Ngetich clocked the second fastest time in history, winning in 1:03:04.