24-year-old Ellen Cassidy became ill at about 1pm on Sunday after she had finished the half marathon in Cork city centre.

Thousands of participants ran in the event on Sunday.

With just four months to go until the big day, those eager to the event are encouraged to now to avoid disappointment, as the other categories are also filling up swiftly, with the half marathon currently at 95% capacity and the 10k race selling fast.

For beginners, the focus is on gradually increasing mileage to safely reach the finish line. Organisers say more seasoned runners will benefit from expert tips on improving performance and fine-tuning pacing to achieve personal bests.

“People in Cork are just the best in the world, they are so kind and they are very welcoming people"

Organisers are hopeful that runners will be met by a crowd of well-wishers holding posters from the starting line through to the finish line of the 42km course.

Participants were spread across three events - the full marathon, half marathon, and the inaugural 10k race.

This year marks the 15th staging of the Cork City Marathon. As part of our Volunteers of Cork series, TIMOTHY O’MAHONY chats to Gary O’Donovan, of Bweeng, who will be volunteering ahead of the race this Sunday

Cork woman Mary Hoare, aged 82, will be among those taking part in The Cork City Marathon on June 4, writes ANNIE AHERN

The Wibbly Wobbly Wonders running group took a break due to the pandemic - now they’re back and ready for their next challengem writes COLETTE SHERIDAN