The organisers of the Dublin Marathon have banned a senior garda attached to the anti-corruption unit for allegedly boarding the Luas to complete last month’s run.
They told the Irish Mirror they have finished their investigation and confirmed the individual “will be disqualified from future events”.
The officer was averaging 10-minute miles during the first half of the 26.1mile course but this was slashed to nearly six minutes in the second half. Suspicions were raised that he may have used the Luas to complete a portion of the race.
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The officer, who had a finishing time in the top 6% of runners, has since apologised and returned both his medal and T-shirt.
When contacted by the Irish Mirror, a Garda spokesman said the force is holding its own inquiry into the matter.
He added: “An Garda Siochana is aware of a matter at the recent Dublin City Marathon involving an off-duty garda. We are currently conducting
an internal fact-finding review of the matter.”
It is not clear what sanctions if any would be brought against the officer when the review is concluded. Marathon organisers said he has been banned from all future Dublin Marathon and Dublin Race Series events.
In a statement, a spokesman added: “I can confirm an investigation has taken place into this matter by the Dublin Marathon.
“The individual has apologised and returned their finishing medal and T-shirt. As per the rules and regulations, this person will be disqualified from future Dublin Marathon or Dublin Race Series events.
“The Dublin Marathon will not be providing details of the individual involved in the investigation.”
An estimated 25,000 runners took part in the race around Dublin on October 30. The marathon route was one lap around the city. The 26.2 mile race began at Fitzwilliam Street and moved along Leeson Street Lower up towards Ushers Quay.
The route crossed the river Liffey and headed towards Phoenix Park. Runners also went through Inchicore and South Circular Road, Crumlin, Terenure, Rathgar, Clonskeagh and Stillorgan.
They eventually crossed the finish line at Merrion Square North.
Last month’s Dublin Marathon was the first to be held since 2019 after the 2020 and 2021 races were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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