The Dublin Marathon’s history witnessed an exceptional wave of jubilation as Hiko Tonosa crossed the finish line in third place, setting a record for the fastest marathon ever run by an Irishman with a time of 2:09:42. The 29-year-old, who represented Dundrum South Dublin, promptly grabbed an Irish flag and energetically sprinted down Mount Street again, rejoicing at his achievement, mirrored by an equally ecstatic Dublin crowd.
Kenya’s Moses Kemei emerged as the champion with a time of 2:08:47, bagging the winning prize of $15,000. He secured his win in the final few miles, while Ethiopia’s Abebaw Desalew held steady to earn second place with a time of 2:09:24.
Tonosa, well deserving of his victory, remarkably balanced his strength throughout the 26.2-mile race. The journey has been rewarding yet tough for the 29-year-old, not only in running but in life as well. After viewing the results, while wrapped in the Irish flag, he expressed an overwhelming sense of pride. He said, “To run this time here today, in Dublin, makes me so proud because this country saved my life.”
Tonosa had sought refuge in Ireland from his conflict-ridden village in Ethiopia in 2017 and became a citizen in March 2020. He held promising potential to qualify for the Paris Olympics after he crossed the halfway point of London Marathon last April in 63:39, however he slowed down afterwards.
In January, Tonosa had set his previous best of 2:15:01 in Valencia, a record he shattered in Dublin by almost six minutes. He praises his coach, Feidhlim Kelly, as the one who continuously supported him and firmly believed that he would shine in the Dublin marathon.
Looking back at the remarkable event where conditions were quite favourable given that it was dry, overcast and there was no wind, Tonosa had positioned himself within the leading group of about twelve runners after reaching the midway point at 64:13. By the conclusion of the marathon, Tonosa had managed to surpass Stephen Scullion’s previous record set in 2020 of 2:09:49, registering a time of 2:09:42. Nonetheless, John Treacy’s 2:09:15 performance in 1992 at Boston is bereft of record acknowledgement due to the net downhill incline. Hiko was bestowed $10,000 in total for finishing third and for a timing less than 2:12, with an additional €3,500.
For the men’s national championship second place, Ryan Creech from Leevale finished ninth overall with a time of 2:13:49, well ahead of William Maunsell from Clonmel AC, who completed the race in 2:14:23 and claimed the 10th overall spot. Additionally, Creech led Leevale to a team victory.
Excitement was palpable once Ann-Marie McGlynn of Letterkenny AC secured national approval with 2:34:05, ranked sixth overall, and subsequently leading Aoife Kilgallon of Sligo AC (2:35:56) and Grance Lynch of Dundrum South Dublin (2:36:09) to achieve the silver and bronze medals in the national championship. At the age of 44, McGlynn, who was fifth overall last year with a time of 2:34:13, remains a dominant figure in the Irish marathon arena.
The overall race victory was clinched by Asmirach Nega from Ethiopia, who set a new course record with a timing of 2:24:13, outpacing Sorome Negash (2:24:45) and Grete Dukale (2:28:29), also from Ethiopia. Sean Frame from the United Kingdom triumphed in the wheelchair race, completing it in 1:45:31.
More updates to follow…