Nationalist and unionist politicians joined forces yesterday to run the 18th Belfast marathon in relay. A cross-party team including Mr Billy Hutchinson of the Progressive Unionist Party, Cllr Sean Hayes of Sinn Fein, and Mr Alex Attwood of the SDLP ran the 26 miles in just over three hours to raise money for a local children's charity.
"We are looking to getting all the parties involved next year," said Mr Hutchinson.
The race was won by Kenyan Mr Samuel Okemwa, in two hours and 20 minutes, but he failed to beat Mr Marty Deane's 1985 record. Second yesterday was Mr John Griffin of Tralee, while a Dubliner, Mr Patrick Mangan, was third.
The women's race was won by Ms Barbara Brewer, who was born in Belfast but now lives in the US. Nearly 900 runners took part.