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Cork Turns Yellow and Winners of the 2026 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon

31/05/2026

Melissah Gibson and Stephen McAuley Win the 2026 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon

Heather Murphy and Ryan Creech Claim Half Marathon National Championship Titles, and 10k won by Niamh Allen and Ibrahim Samow

More than 200 of Ellen Cassidy's family and friends run in her memory as Cork turns yellow 

Melissah Gibson and Stephen McAuley took home first places in the 2026 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon today, as more than 12,300 participants took part across the marathon, half marathon and 10K events.

An estimated 25,000 spectators lined the streets of Cork to cheer on runners, walkers and wheelchair users in is another standout day in the city's sporting calendar.

A total of 3,000 participants completed the full marathon, while 5,000 took part in the half marathon and 4,300 competed in the 10K.

McAuley claimed victory in the men's marathon in a time of 2:22:42, while Gibson secured the women's title in 2:40:41, adding the Cork crown to her recent victory at the Edinburgh Marathon.

Second place in the men's marathon went to Chris Jeuken of Derg A.C. in 2:24:20, followed by Wayne Waldron in 2:26:22. In the women's race, Andrea Aza Villamor of Glanmire A.C. finished second in 2:48:05, with April Quinn of Togher A.C. taking third in 2:56:01.

This year's event also hosted the 2026 Half Marathon National Championships, with Cork athlete Ryan Creech of Leevale A.C. claiming the men's title in front of a home crowd in 1:04:51. Heather Murphy of St Michael's A.C. won the women's championship in 1:15:11.

Creech said: "National Championships don't come to Cork as often as you think so this is really special to win at home. It's such a well organised event and I'm delighted to have my family here today."

Murphy added: "The atmosphere is amazing, the support is incredible, what a day!"

Jake O'Regan of St John's A.C. finished second in the men's championship race in 1:05:38, followed by John Travers of Donore Harriers A.C. in 1:06:54.

In the women's championship, Hannah Steeds of Leevale A.C. took second place in 1:16:46, with Fionnuala Ross of Armagh A.C. third in 1:17:02.

Niamh Allen, winner of the 2025 Half Marathon, continued her impressive form by winning the women's 10K in 32:14. Ibrahim Samow claimed the men's title in 30:58. 

Samow said: "The conditions were great – a flat course and perfect weather."  Allen added: "I love coming out running in Cork City. I went to UCC, so running down Western Road was incredible."

Niall Shanahan finished second in the men's race in 31:36, followed by David Carter in 31:44. In the women's event, Sinead O'Connor took second place in 35:28, with Katja Fischer third in 37:14.

From the early morning start through to the final finishers crossing the line on Grand Parade, Cork city centre was filled with support and celebration as spectators gathered in their thousands to encourage participants along the route.

More than 200 family members and friends of Ellen Cassidy, including her parents and siblings, also took part in the event in her memory, with thousands turning up in yellow and holding yellow flags in her honour - Ellen's favourite colour.

The 2026 event marked a significant milestone for the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon, with a new city-centre start and finish line introduced on Grand Parade. The revised route was designed to improve safety, increase capacity and enhance the overall race-day experience for participants and spectators, bringing the event further into the heart of Cork.

The marathon attracted a global field of participants alongside strong representation from local running clubs, community groups and charity partners. Supported by staff, volunteers, emergency services, medical teams and stewards, the event once again demonstrated the scale of collaboration required to deliver one of Ireland's largest road races.

Race Director Eamon Hayes praised the success of the event."On behalf of the entire Analog Devices Cork City Marathon team, Cork City Council and our sponsors Analog Devices, I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who made this year's event possible.

"To the thousands of runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair users who took part, whether you were chasing a personal best, running for a cause or simply aiming to cross the finish line, your determination and spirit were clear to see right across the city.

"We are equally grateful to the people of Cork, who once again came out in force to support participants and create the atmosphere that makes this event so special. That sense of encouragement and community is what defines the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon.

"Our thanks also go to our title sponsor Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), our stakeholders, sponsors, the emergency services, Gardaí, medical teams, stewards and the many volunteers who worked to deliver the event. It is a collective effort, and one we are hugely proud of.

"One of the most meaningful aspects of the marathon is the impact it has beyond race day. Thousands of participants have raised funds for causes close to their hearts under the banner of #YourRaceTheirHope, and that generosity continues to grow year on year. It is a powerful reminder of what this event represents for so many people."

As celebrations continued on Grand Parade throughout the day, the 2026 Analog Devices Cork City Marathon once again demonstrated its place as one of Cork's flagship annual events, bringing together sport, community and shared experience on a city-wide scale.

Race results are available at analogdevicescorkcitymarathon.ie. Photos, stories and highlights can be found across the Analog Devices Cork City Marathon social media channels.

Top Results

Marathon – Male

  1. Stephen McAuley – 2:22:42

  2. Chris Jeuken – 2:24:20

  3. Wayne Waldron – 2:26:22

Marathon – Female

  1. Melissah Gibson – 2:40:41

  2. Andrea Aza Villamor – 2:48:05

  3. April Quinn – 2:56:01

Half Marathon – Male

  1. Ryan Creech – 1:04:51

  2. Jake O'Regan – 1:05:38

  3. John Travers – 1:06:54

Half Marathon – Female

  1. Heather Murphy – 1:15:11

  2. Hannah Steeds – 1:16:46

  3. Fionnuala Ross – 1:17:02

10K – Male

  1. Ibrahim Samow – 30:58

  2. Niall Shanahan – 31:36

  3. David Carter – 31:44

10K – Female

  1. Niamh Allen – 32:14

  2. Sinead O'Connor – 35:28

  3. Katja Fischer – 37:14

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