Mutai takes Belfast marathon win

John Mutai crosses the finishing line to win the Belfast marathon

Kenyan John Mutai claimed victory in the 26th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon on Monday.

The 40-year-old's time of 2.16.24 hours was just outside the record and almost five seconds clear of his challengers.

His compatriot Stephen Ndungu, last year's winner, came in second with Ukrainian Anto Pototskyy third and Cork runner Cathal O'Connor in fourth.

Ethiopia's Marashet Jumma won the women's race in 2.41.35 followed by Kateryna Karamanenko and Anne Paul.

Jumma went clear after six miles and was never challenged with her margin of victory over seven minutes.

Mutai adds the Belfast win to previous victories in the Dublin Marathon and Great North Run.

Paul Hannan from Keady edged out Banbridge's Jim Corbett in the wheelchair race.

There were over 14,000 participants - over 1,100 were entered in the marathon itself, 1,900 did the Marathon Walk, there were 1,750 five-person relay teams and 1,650 entrants in the Three-mile Fun Run.