The Cork Marathon 2014 saw two major records being set with Cork firefighter Alex O’Shea breaking the Guinness World Record time for running in full duty great while Pauline Curley, an Irish Olympian, set a new course record.

O’Shea ran the full 26.2-mile circuit in 3 hours, 41 minutes and 10 seconds, shaving 58 minutes off the current Guinness World Record. He wore his full firefighting attire, including steel-toed reinforced firefighting boots, fire-retardant pants and jacket, as well as his 3lb firefighter’s helmet and visor. He was running to raise funds for his charities, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and his local Ballineen Enniskeane District Association Playground Development Fund (BEDA). He was accompanied at all times on the run by 2 colleagues, who ensured that he kept hydrated throughout the run.

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The winner of the Marathon was Bartosz Muzerski, who completed the course in 2 hours and 28 minutes and 38 seconds. The female winner, Pauline Curley, set a new course record for the women's title with a time of 2 hours 43 minutes and 47 seconds. She retained her title as winner of the Cork City Marathon, Ladies, 2013.

Speaking at the finish line of the Cork City Marathon 2014, Race Director Jim O’Donovan said, “We are particularly thrilled that Alex O’Shea has set a new Guinness World Record here in Cork today through his extraordinary feat of endurance and perseverance. He truly is a hero, and has raised both awareness and funds for his charity, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and his local playground in West Cork”.

The Cork City Marathon is now in its eight year. This year included more than 7,500 participants.