Yesterday was a memorable day at the Berlin marathon. The world record fell as Eliud Kipchoge ran a staggering time of 2.01.09, and a hugely memorable, if accidental Irish sporting moment occurred.
It involves John Casey of the Togher Athletics Club, based deep in the heart of Denis Irwin-country on the southside of Cork city. As Casey was making his push to the finish line, a marathon photographer snapped a photo of former Ballon D'Or winner Kaka just behind him.
#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
KAKA the Brazilian football legend getting outpaced by a lad from Togher at todays Berlin marathon. @PaudiePalmer , @MickRing83 , @BigRedBench ,@ExaminerSport ,@echolivecork pic.twitter.com/AoARVjhwgK
— Tony Cahill (@tonycahill73) September 25, 2022
Kaka looks like his usual glorious self, with a barely sweat broken. The 40-year-old would finish in an impressive time of 3.38.06. Not bad for a first marathon.
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
Casey however motored to the finish line at a phenomenal time of 3.30.29, which is great work for anyone, but especially for someone in the 55+ age category.
Togher AC posted the following update on Casey's performance on their Facebook page yesterday.
Massive congratulations to Togher ACs John Casey who knocked it out of the park in today's Berlin Marathon in 3.30.29. What a run to be a part of, where a new marathon world record was set!John has sent his thanks to all in Togher AC who brought him to the line, but it was only yourself that got you over it John. Special thanks to Senior Coaches Aidan Hartnett and Tony Kelleher for the training plan and Ray O' Connell for the fueling strategy which worked a treat! John's personal highlight today was crossing the line with Kaka (Brazilian footballer)...we've looked up Kaka's result John and he finished in 3.38, so we think that means you are pretty much AC Milan athlete standard!
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