Freddy Sittuk celebrates his win.
Thousands have taken to the streets of Derry to cheer on the participants in the second SSE Airtricity Walled City Marathon.
As expected pre-race favourite, Kenyan Freddy Sittuk, took first place in a time of 2.25,44, a new course record, to claim the first prize of £1,500.
Ann Carroll on her way to winning the ladies’ race.
However, he missed out on a £1,000 bonus – put by the organisers – by 47 seconds.
Speaking minutes after crossing the line, Sittuk said he was delighted to win describing the course as “tough” and “hilly,” which may explain why his time was over seven minutes slower than the 2.18.30 he posted in winning the Belfast Marathon earlier this year.
Sittuk, a training partner of Olympic 10,000 metre and 5,000 metre champion Mo Farrah, was 12 minutes ahead at the half-way stage and had extended that by a further four minutes in finishing ahead of Letterkenny AC’s Pauric McKinney who came second in a time of 2.51.34.
City of Derry runner James Crampsey claimed third spot in a time of 2.43.45.
Dubliner Ann Curley won the ladies race in 2.57.51.
City of Derry’s Marina Campbell came second in 3.08.16 with Lifford AC’s third in 3.11.12.
Christy McMonagle broke the Irish record for an over-70s runner.
Veteran City of Derry athlete Christy McMonagle smashed the Irish record for an over 70s runner by three minutes.
Competitors were greeted at the finish line by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Foyle MP Mark Durkan and the city’s Mayor, Cllr Martin Reilly.
Mr McGuinness described the event as an “outstanding success” stressing local charities were to benefit from over £250,000 raised through sponsorship.
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