Fire fighter beats world record for marathon in full firefighting gear None
Cork firefighter Alex O’Shea has broken the Guinness World Record for running a marathon in full firefighting gear at the Cork City Marathon today.Alex ran the full 26.6 miles in moderate heat – wearing steel-toed boots, fire-retardant pants and a firefighting jacket, as well as his 3lb firefighter’s helmet and visor.
Wearing all of this, he achieved a time of 3.41.10, shaving fifty eight minutes off the current world record.
The super-fit dad was pictured at the end of the marathon with his sons Leon (4) and Noah (5).
Mr O’Shea said his race plan was to set off quickly and lessen the pace as the marathon went on.
“I did that because I knew I was going to get too tired. I think I went out too quick. The World record was very much achievable but I wanted to run as best a race I could for me. I am absolutely delighted. Every single person cheered me on. It was phenonomenal.”Alex was running to raise funds for his charities, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and a playground development fund in West Cork.
Two colleagues accompanied him the whole way, ensuring that he kept hydrated throughout the gruelling run.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Cork City Marathon 2014 was Poland’s Bartosz Muzerski, who completed the 26.2 mile course in 2 hours and 28 minutes and 38 seconds.
The female winner of Cork City Marathon, Olympian Pauline Curley from Birr in County Offaly, set a new course record for the women’s title with a time of 2 hours 43 minutes and 47 seconds.
The 2014 relay winners East Cork Relay Team also held their title, having won the 2013 Cork City Marathon also. Sergio Ciobanu won the Tony Brauders Half Marathon 2014 in a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes and 19 seconds.
More than 7,500 people took part, including 64 youth teams, in the Cork City Marathon this year ensuring it’s place as one of the major events in the Irish sporting calendar.
Taken from the Irish Independent.