Firefighter runs Cork marathon in full gear, breaks world record
A Cork-based firefighter ran the city's marathon in full firefighting gear this morning, setting what's believed to be a new Guinness World Record with a time of 3 hours, 41 minutes and 10 seconds.
Alex, who was running in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the playground development fund in his local village of Ballineen/Enniskeane, smashed the previous record of 4hrs 45 min 16sec, which has been held since 2010.
Alex ran in his full gear including steel-toed reinforced firefighting boots, fire-retardant pants and jacket, as well as his 3lb firefighters helmet and visor.
Check out the picture below of the starting line - you can see Alex setting off on the right.
Carrigaline-born Alex, a firefighter with Cork City Fire Brigade,was accompanied at all times on the run by two colleagues, who ensured that he kept hydrated throughout the gruelling run.
He was cheered every step as he made his way around the 26.2-mile course.
There he goes at the 20 mile mark! #Alex O Shea #corkcitymarathon pic.twitter.com/QKHmXz1b4j
— JennïeØSullivân (@OSullivanJennie) June 2, 2014
Before finally crossing the finish line well ahead of target.
Alex O'Shea crosses the finish line in 3 hours and 41 minutes. 58 minutes off the world record. pic.twitter.com/x257gpMEwY
— Cork City Marathon (@TheCorkMarathon) June 2, 2014
Where two of his four children were on hand to welcome their Daddy over the line.
Alex O'Shea @GreatFireRun smashes world record, running @corkcitymarathon in 3:41:10 in a firefighting suit #HeroAlex pic.twitter.com/uYFcq0dD2m
— Paschal Sheehy (@PaschalSheehy) June 2, 2014
Well done Alex!
He's done it 3 hrs 41 minutes 10 second @GreatFireRun World record set!! pic.twitter.com/5N7xoPpHEU
— Cork City Marathon (@TheCorkMarathon) June 2, 2014
More than 7,500 people took to the street of Cork this morning for the annual race, with the men's marathon won by Bartosz Mazerski in a time of 2:28:38 (2nd Gary O'Hanlon 2:28:45 , 3rd Peter Mooney 2:32:35).
The women's race was won by Tullamore's Pauline Curley with a time of 2:43:47 (2nd Nollaigh Hunter 2:50:21, 3rd Jill Hodgins 2:56:44)
Winners Bartosz Muzerski and Pauline Curley pic.twitter.com/4xhhJndqa5
— Cork City Marathon (@TheCorkMarathon) June 2, 2014
The 2014 relay winners East Cork Relay Team also held their title, having won the 2013 Cork City Marathon also. Sergio Ciobanu won the Tony Brauders Half Marathon 2014 in a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes and 19 seconds.
Well done to everyone who took part.
- More about Alex O'Shea on greatfirerun.com and on his Facebook page.
