‘What a run to be a part of.’
The Berlin Marathon took place on Sunday and saw the indomitable Eliud Kipchoge sheer a chunk of time off his world record. It also saw 55-year-old John Casey from Cork clock a better time than World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner, Kaka.
Kipchoge crossed the line, in Berlin, at a scarcely believable time of 2.01.09, shattering the record he had set along the same route in 2018.
The marathon also featured a host of Irish athletes, across various levels and categories. John Casey was racing in the vest of Togher Athletics Club and he did both himself and the Cork club proud.
Casey finished the race just ahead of Kaka, but because he started further down the field from the Brazilian, and his chip did not activate until he crossed the start line, his finishing time was over seven minutes better.
#kaka The Brazilian
Footballer who won the World Cup, Champions League and Ballon d'Or been out paced by John Casey 55 years old from @TogherAC at the Berlin Marathon Yesterday@bmwberlinrun #BerlinLegend #BerlinMarathon pic.twitter.com/DpHrLBzSQh— Sharon Murray (@SharonAherne) September 26, 2022
Sharon Murray, who shared the snap above, was there supporting another Cork runner that clocked better than Kaka. Tony Murray, her husband, was running in the Midleton AC colours and came home in a time of 3:37.25.
Kaka was running in his first ever marathon and clocked an impressive 3:38.06 in completing the route.
The 40-year-old, who played with distinction for Real Madrid and AC Milan, was happy out at getting over the line and getting a medal to chew on:
Amazing, Berlin!!! What a great atmosphere during the all 42KM. Very proud of becoming a #BerlinLegend.
A big thank you to all the runners, the fans, and my partners @adidasrunning @adidasbrasil @berlinmarathon @reismpr pic.twitter.com/K3xaAUeXZo
— Kaka (@KAKA) September 26, 2022