MORE THAN 10,000 elite athletes, runners and walkers of all ages and abilities came together in the Phoenix Park this morning for the 14th staging of the Great Ireland Run.

There was a huge turnout in the capital for an event which has become one of the biggest days in the running calendar.

While the elite competitions, involving Ireland’s leading runners, is an attraction in itself for the large crowds, the day really belonged to the thousands of amateur athletes who negotiated the 5km and 10km routes.

In the main event, Irish Olympian and Rio hopeful Fionnuala McCormack won the women’s 10k race in a time of 33 minutes and 30 seconds.

The men’s edition was won by British athlete Andy Maud, who crossed the line in 29 minutes and 55 seconds.

“I’m delighted to have crossed the finish line in such a great time and of course to have shared this moment with an Irish crowd,” McCormack said.

“It’s great to show them my form ahead of Rio later this year. It was a fantastic day here at the Phoenix Park and I look forward to seeing some of the same along with brand new faces next year.”

Meanwhile, the first ever female winner of the 5k race was Carlow’s Siobhra O’Flaherty and Dubliner Emmet O’Briain was the male winner.