Northern Ireland

Belfast Marathon: 'Space Hopper Guy' among competitors as Kenyan runners win men and women's races

Eric Koech has won the 37th annual Belfast City Marathon. The Kenyan runner, who was second two years ago, won the men's race in a time of 2:18:19. Photo: Justin Kernoghan 
Eric Koech has won the 37th annual Belfast City Marathon. The Kenyan runner, who was second two years ago, won the men's race in a time of 2:18:19. Photo: Justin Kernoghan  Eric Koech has won the 37th annual Belfast City Marathon. The Kenyan runner, who was second two years ago, won the men's race in a time of 2:18:19. Photo: Justin Kernoghan 

KENYAN athletes have raced to victory in today's Belfast Marathon with Eric Koech winning the men's competition with a time of 2:18:20 and Caroline Jepchirchir claiming victory in the women's run in 2:41:17. 

Last year's winner in the women's race, Laura Graham from Kilkeel in Co Down, finished second in 2:43:34. In 2017 she became the first woman from the north to secure victory since 1999.

Belfast City Marathon. Picture: Mal McCann 
Belfast City Marathon. Picture: Mal McCann  Belfast City Marathon. Picture: Mal McCann 
Belfast City Marathon. Picture: Mal McCann
Belfast City Marathon. Picture: Mal McCann Belfast City Marathon. Picture: Mal McCann

One fun runner attracted attention after completing the course on a space hopper.

Michael James from Newtownards finished the three-mile fun run in 1hr 20mins to raise money for Autistica, a charity that funds medical research to improve the lives of those with autism.

Fair play to the space hopper guy @belfastmarathon @irish_news #belfastmarathon pic.twitter.com/UE7QsSBVyQ — Mal McCann (@MalMccann) May 7, 2018

It wasn’t to be a double for defending champion Laura Graham from @MourneRunners, coming second to Caroline Jepchirchir in the women’s race, but she’s delighted and has thanked her family, including four young children, and fans for supporting her! @qnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/gB052j5L06 — Simon Hunter (@simezsez) May 7, 2018