New record time is set on day highest number of people take part in Belfast City Marathon

Belfast Telegraph

04-05-2025

From fitness fanatics and fun runners to elite athletes and those doing shorter relays for charity, the city was buzzing with energy from early on Sunday morning.
The sun ensured a pleasant day for spectators, even if it did sap the energy of those pounding the streets.
As well as a new record time being set and the first female wheelchair participant competing, the number of runners was the highest ever, with 6,500 signed up to run the full distance, 2,750 relay teams of between two and five people, and 1,200 walkers.
The annual event started at Stormont Estate and finished up in Ormeau Park, where runners finally had a chance to catch their breath.
SDLP leader Claire Hanna became the first MP to finish the race, with the added bonus of crossing the line in her own constituency.
Posting a photo of herself in Ormeau Park smiling and clutching her medal, she said: 'What a day. Belfast Marathon done — 26.2 miles of slog & inspiration.
'The cheers, jelly beans & funny signs make it all bearable. Relieved, tired and grateful.'
The DUP's running veteran, North Belfast MLA Brian Kingston — with 15 marathons under his belt — finished in 3:32 as he raised funds for the NI Air Ambulance.
'The crowds along the route were the largest I've seen for the Belfast Marathon,' he posted on X, thanking the church and community choirs and bands who sang and played to the runners.
While some ran the entire 26.2 miles, others joined in a team relay or participated in the eight-mile walk.
Many took part to support various charities or accomplish personal goals.
Among the participants was Alannah Campbell (22), who ran a leg of the marathon in aid of Action Cancer.
'The easiest bit was at the start, just the atmosphere with everyone — it was a lot easier having encouragement,' she said.
'The hardest bit was the sun, it was quite warm but it was very fun.'
There were also a number of running groups, such as The Supported Living Scheme for Adults with Learning Disabilities.
Situated in the Mourne Grange, Patricia Haughian explained: 'We are a group of walkers and runners who are raising money for people living with learning disabilities.
'The hardest part of the walk was half-way. If I had the ability to run it, I would have, but probably not.'
Many said the atmosphere from the crowds lining the roads spurred them on when the going got tough.
Those not running for a charity wanted to challenge themselves or run for a bit of fun.
Barry Smith, who ran for himself and for 'a bit of craic', said it was 'enjoyable and good support throughout'.
Barry has already run 21 marathons in his lifetime, including London, New York and Dublin.
'London was the best. The atmosphere there was fantastic and it's the hardest marathon to get into, but this was fun too,' he said.
Barry, who completed the run in three hours and two minutes, said he would run Belfast again.
Jake Huston (22) was also 'running for a bit of craic'.
'I did a relay of 37 minutes and it was good fun,' he said.
'It was very busy and I passed a lot of people, it was good encouragement.'
Méabh Lowe ran with work colleagues at Murphy O'Rawe Solicitors in Belfast in aid of the NI Hospice.
'We just thought it would be a great charity because, I mean, there's very few families in Northern Ireland who haven't been affected in some way by cancer,' she said.
'We have a lady in our office, Betty, whose sister sadly passed away last week. So, we were thinking about her today and supporting all those families affected by cancer.'
Meanwhile, a 34-year-old immigration advisor raised more than £10,000 for a Palestinian aid charity.
Canadian woman Portia Larlee — who lives in Belfast — was running in her first ever marathon to raise funds for the Medical Aid for Palestinians charity, which works in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon.
Ms Larlee said the support from the Belfast public had helped her reach the finish line in her maiden race.
'The last three kilometres were super tough, but there was a lot of support along the way for Medical Aid for Palestinians,' she said.
'I think the people of Belfast really support the cause.
'I've just tried to do what I could and give people an opportunity to spread the word about this important charity.
'I think I will do more; it's been a really, really great day. There were lots of friends and family and people from my office supporting me along the route.
'Belfast stands against genocide. It needs to end now.'
This year's men's champions were Tilahun Nigussie who broke the Belfast Marathon record with a time of 2:13:37.
The Ethiopian was followed by Aaron Hanlon of Drogheda and District Athletic Club, with a time of 2:27:06. In third place was Stephen Connolly of Annadale Striders with a time of 2:29:30.
For the women, first place went to Kenya's Millicent Kibet with a time of 2:38:30. In second place, Lalla Aziza Alaoui Selsoui finished in a time of 2:38:51. Gladys Ganiel of North Belfast Harriers finished at 2:45:46.
Jayne Bleakley came home in a time of 2:29:28 to win the wheelchair race in her debut marathon. She was the first female wheelchair participant to take part in the events history.