Chris Jeuken and Evelyn Twomey take first place at Cork City Marathon 2025

• Over 11,000 runners from 26 countries transformed Cork into a celebration of community spirit and sporting achievement, with record fundraising totals surpassing all expectations.

The heart of Cork City became a sea of determination and celebration as the Cork City Marathon 2025 delivered an unforgettable day of sporting excellence. More than 11,000 participants took on the challenge across the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K events, whilst thousands more lined the route with homemade signs, creating an electric atmosphere that exemplified Cork's renowned community spirit.

Chris Jeuken claimed victory in the men's Full Marathon with an impressive time of 2:18, whilst Evelyn Twomey led the women's field home in 2:54. The Half Marathon saw Jake O'Regan dominate the men's race in 1:06, with Niamh Allen not only winning the women's category in 1:10 but also securing third place overall. The increasingly popular 10K event was conquered by Fearghal Curtin (29:46) and Hannah Steeds (34:51) in the men's and women's categories respectively.

The event's global appeal was evident with 550 international participants representing over 26 countries, demonstrating Cork's growing reputation as a premier marathon destination. The massive logistical operation required 1,000 staff and volunteers, who ensured 80,000 bottles of water and energy drinks were available alongside 4,000 bananas to fuel the runners.

Race Director Eamon Hayes expressed his gratitude for the event's overwhelming success:

"On behalf of the entire Cork City Marathon team and Cork City Council, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year's event such a resounding success. To the thousands of runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair users who took to the streets of Cork City – thank you. Whether you were chasing a personal best, running for a special cause or challenging yourself to cross the finish line, your determination and spirit were truly inspiring."

The marathon's charitable impact proved equally impressive, with the #YourRaceTheirHope ethos driving record-breaking fundraising totals that have already surpassed this year's ambitious charity goals. Dozens of local and national charities are set to benefit from the incredible generosity of participants and their supporters.

Hayes continued:

"One of the most powerful aspects of the Cork City Marathon is the incredible generosity it inspires. Thousands of participants used the event to raise vital funds for causes close to their hearts. A staggering amount has already been donated, and more is coming in every day, so it will be our most successful year to date for fundraising. This is community spirit in action, and it is deeply humbling."

The event showcased Cork's commitment to inclusivity, with strong representation from community groups including 1,200 Sanctuary Runners, United by Miles, and Back 2 Boston. The Inclusive Mile event added further meaning to the day, reinforcing the marathon's ethos that sport truly is for everyone.

Race improvements introduced this year included enhanced start zones, additional hydration points, and inclusive facilities such as free period products, demonstrating the organisers' commitment to participant welfare and accessibility.

With all three races selling out months in advance, the demand for places continues to grow year on year. The success of this year's event has already turned attention to 2026, with Cork City Marathon returning on Sunday, 31st May 2026. Registration opens at 2pm on Friday, 6th June 2025.

As medals were distributed and finish-line celebrations continued into the afternoon, it became clear that Cork City Marathon 2025 had delivered far more than a race – it had provided a triumph of community, determination, and shared achievement that will resonate throughout Cork long after the last runner crossed the line.

Race results are available live at www.corkcitymarathon.ie, with photos, stories, and highlights accessible through the Cork City Marathon social channels