'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).

STANDARD BEARER: Hiko Tonosa celebrates after winning the Irish National Championships, and finshing third overall, during the 2024 Irish Life Dublin Marathon. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

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."