Cork City Marathon: Winner Evelyn Twomey returns as tailwalker, happy to go from first to last

Twomey won the women’s full marathon title at the 2025 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon

PACESETTER: Evelyn Twomey was first woman home in the Cork City Marathon in 2025. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Analog Devices Cork City Marathon winner Evelyn Twomey takes on a very different role this Sunday, supporting participants from the back of the field to the finish line on Grand Parade.

The achievement of completing a marathon means something different to every participant who sets foot on the course. For some, it is about competition and performance, for others, it is about resilience, determination, community or simply reaching the finish line. This year, Evelyn Twomey will represent that spirit in a unique way.

Twomey, who won the women’s full marathon title at the 2025 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon in a time of 2:54:30, will return this year not to lead the field from the front, but as one of the event’s official tailwalkers at the very back of the marathon, making sure everyone completes the race safely.

The role of tailwalker is an important part of marathon day operations, ensuring every participant on the course is supported and acknowledged right through to the final finishers.

A Dublin-based runner and former senior camogie player, Twomey has strong Cork connections through her family roots in Ballyvourney. 

Before focusing on marathon running, she competed at senior camogie level at both club and county level, bringing the same discipline and determination to endurance sport.

Joy last year for Evelyn Twomey. Picture: Darragh Kane

At the 2025 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon, Twomey secured a commanding victory in the women’s race, moving through the halfway point in 1:23:36 before finishing almost five minutes ahead of the rest of the field.

INCLUSIVE

Now returning in a very different capacity, her role as tailwalker reflects the inclusive and community-centred spirit that continues to define the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon experience for participants of all abilities and backgrounds.

Twomey said she is delighted to be giving something back to the special event. 

"I will be just as proud finishing in last place as I was coming in first. To be able to move is an absolute privilege, we are the lucky ones, so take off the shackles of time comparisons and measure it as a success to simply have a smile on your face and have the courage to lace up your runners and give it a go." 

The Analog Devices Cork City Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 31, with thousands of participants expected across the full marathon, half marathon and 10K events.