Melissah Gibson and Stephen McAuley took home first places in the 2026 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon on Sunday, as more than 12,300 participants took part across the marathon, half marathon and 10k events.
An estimated 25,000 spectators lined the streets of Cork to cheer on runners, walkers and wheelchair users in another standout day in the city’s sporting calendar. A total of 3,000 participants completed the full marathon, while 5,000 took part in the half marathon and 4,300 competed in the 10k.
McAuley claimed victory in the men’s marathon in a time of 2:22:42, while Gibson secured the women’s title in 2:40:41, adding the Cork crown to her recent victory at the Edinburgh Marathon.
Second place in the men’s marathon went to Chris Jeuken of Derg A.C. in 2:24:20, followed by Wayne Waldron in 2:26:22. In the women’s race, Andrea Aza Villamor of Glanmire A.C. finished second in 2:48:05, with April Quinn of Togher A.C. taking third in 2:56:01.
HALF MARATHON
This year’s event also hosted the 2026 Half Marathon National Championships, with Cork athlete Ryan Creech of Leevale A.C. claiming the men’s title in front of a home crowd in 1:04:51. Heather Murphy of St Michael’s A.C. won the women’s championship in 1:15:11.
Creech said: “National Championships don’t come to Cork as often as you think so this is really special to win at home. It’s such a well organised event and I’m delighted to have my family here today.”
Murphy added: “The atmosphere is amazing, the support is incredible, what a day!”
Jake O’Regan of St John’s A.C. finished second in the men’s championship race in 1:05:38, followed by John Travers of Donore Harriers A.C. in 1:06:54.
In the women’s championship, Hannah Steeds of Leevale A.C. took second place in 1:16:46, with Fionnuala Ross of Armagh A.C. third in 1:17:02.
10K EVENT
Niamh Allen, winner of the 2025 Half Marathon, continued her impressive form by winning the women’s 10k in 32:14. Ibrahim Samow claimed the men’s title in 30:58.
“The conditions were great – a flat course and perfect weather,” Samow said.
Allen added: “I love coming out running in Cork City. I went to UCC, so running down Western Road was incredible.”
Niall Shanahan finished second in the men’s race in 31:36, followed by David Carter in 31:44. In the women’s event, Sinead O’Connor took second place in 35:28, with Katja Fischer third in 37:14.
REMEMBERING ELLEN
From the early morning start through to the final finishers crossing the line on Grand Parade, Cork city centre was filled with support and celebration as spectators gathered in their thousands to encourage participants along the route.
More than 200 family members and friends of Ellen Cassidy, including her parents and siblings, also took part in the event in her memory, with thousands turning up in yellow and holding yellow flags in her honour – Ellen’s favourite colour.
2026 CHANGES
The 2026 event marked a significant milestone for the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon, with a new city-centre start and finish line introduced on Grand Parade. The revised route was designed to improve safety, increase capacity and enhance the overall race-day experience for participants and spectators, bringing the event further into the heart of Cork.
The marathon attracted a global field of participants alongside strong representation from local running clubs, community groups and charity partners. Supported by staff, volunteers, emergency services, medical teams and stewards, the event once again demonstrated the scale of collaboration required to deliver one of Ireland’s largest road races.
