Stephen Scullion became just the second ever Irishman to run under 2:10 for the marathon on Sunday.
The Belfast man ran 2:09:49 as he finished 11th in the London Marathon. Only John Treacy with his Irish record of 2:09:15, set 32 years ago in Boston, has gone faster.
Sunday's run broke Scullion's personal best, which the 31-year-old set earlier this year in Houston, by just over two minutes. It is also a new Northern Irish record.
Mick Clohisey finished 26th in 2:18:52.
Lions still hunt in the rain. Some day I’ll get nice weather for a marathon. Until next time. 2.09.49? pic.twitter.com/8PghwtnvJI
— Stephen Scullion OLY (@scullion262) October 4, 2020
About to slug about 8 pints of Guinness, if I retire about 4am give me a break @BBCSPORTNI
— Stephen Scullion OLY (@scullion262) October 4, 2020
Though Scullion's time was quick, the men's race overall was slow. It was won in a sprint finish by Ethiopia's Shura Kitata from Kenya's Vincent Kipchumba. Kitata's winning time was 2:05:41.
World record holder Eliud Kipchoge finished well down the field in eighth. It was his first marathon defeat since 2013.
Mayo woman Sinead Diver, who runs for Australia, finished eighth in the women's race. The 43-year-old ran 2:27:07 as she placed one spot below where she finished in the 2019 event.
The women's race was won by Brigid Kosgei in 2:18:58.
Another outstanding WMM result for @diversinead 8th in London in 2 27.07 on a miserable day. @Elokane 12th in 2.31.31
— Nic Bideau (@melbtrackclub) October 4, 2020
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