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Archive May 4, 2025

Ethiopian Nigussie breaks Belfast Marathon record

Pacemaker

Ethiopian Tilahun Nigussie won the Belfast Marathon in a new event record of two hours, 13 minutes and 37 seconds after dominating the race.

Nigussie’s winning time cut four seconds off the previous race record set by his compatriot Negewo Ararisa in 2012.

Kenya’s Millicent Kibet took victory in the women’s race in 2: 38.30 which was more than three minutes outside the record set by another Kenyan Beatrice Jepkemei last year.

Drogheda athlete Aaron Hanlon was 13 minutes behind the men’s winner in taking the runners-up spot in 2: 27.06 with Annadale Striders ‘ Stephen Connolly earning the concurrently staged Northern Ireland title in his debut marathon as he was third over the line in 2: 29.30.

Moroccan Lalla Aziza cut into Kibet’s women’s advantage in the closing stages but finished 21 seconds behind the Kenyan with previous Belfast winner Gladys Ganiel securing another Northern Ireland title at the age of 48 as she completed the podium positions in 2: 45.46.

Aghadowey woman Jayne Bleakley won the wheelchair race as she became the first female to complete the distance in Belfast as she clocked 2: 28.27.

Bleakley, diagnosed with a condition known as encephalitis as a child, was also competing in her first marathon at the age of 44.

Kenya's Millicent Kibet crosses the line to win the women's race at the Belfast MarathonPacemaker

Nigussie briefly takes wrong turn

Nigussie, 26, was already well ahead of the field by the end of the first mile as his only company was a couple of the early marathon relay competitors.

The previous event record of 2: 13.41 set 13 years ago by his compatriot Ararisa didn’t look under threat as Nigussie reached halfway in 1: 08.40.

However, Nigussie, who set his personal best of 2: 07.50 earlier this year, picked up the pace significantly over the closing miles as he was clearly chasing the cash bonus on offer for the course record.

The Ethiopian’s hopes of bettering the record was almost undone in the closing kilometre after he briefly missed a turn but after being quickly directed back on to the course, produced a strong closing sprint to set the new mark.

Record numbers have taken part this year – organisers say 6, 500 full marathon runners signed up along with 2, 750 relay teams (which have between two and five people in them) and 1, 200 walkers.

Related topics

  • Athletics
  • Northern Ireland Sport

Nearly 290,000 Gaza children on ‘the brink of death’ amid Israeli blockade

More than 3,500 children under the age of five “face imminent death by starvation,” according to Gaza’s Government Media Office (GMO), adding that 70, 000 children are being hospitalized in the enclave as a result of the government’s total blockade of more than two months.

More than 3,500 children under the age of five are facing imminent starvation in a systematic blockade, while 290, 000 children are on the verge of starvation, according to a statement from the GMO on Sunday on Telegram.

The “Israeli” occupation is using starvation as a weapon to commit this crime, according to the statement, “with the shameful international silence that 1.1 million children each day do not have the minimum nutritional requirements for survival.”

The death of at least 57 Palestinians has sparked outrage around the world, but that hasn’t persuaded Israel to grant aid to the 2.3 million-strong enclave.

Aid organizations claim that the region has become starvation as a result of a lack of food and supplies. As documented cases of malnutrition increase, supplies to treat and prevent malnutrition are rapidly running out.

The majority of Gaza’s residents, who according to the United Nations claim more than 80% of the population depends on aid, cannot afford the price of what little food is still on the market.

Israel has been accused of using starvation as a means of war by human rights activists and activists.

Israel, on the other hand, insists that Hamas must be forced to release its prisoners. 24 of the 59 captives who are still present in Gaza are reportedly still alive.

Alan Titchmarsh ‘fears for the future’ and shares concerns over ‘insulting’ backlash

As he acknowledges that he is concerned that people are losing their connection to the outside world and nature as they rely more on technology, Alan Titchmarsh has shared his “fear for the future.”

Alan Titchmarsh admitted he fears for the future(Image: Getty Images)

Following a wave of online criticism, Alan Titchmarsh has expressed his concern for the future.

The former host of Gardeners’ World is worried that an over-reliance on technology could lead to people losing touch with nature. This concern has led Alan to utilise technology in order to assist budding gardeners.

The 76-year-old frequently posts gardening advice on his social media platform, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh. However, he admits that there’s a darker side to social media, as many have taken issue with his comments regarding avocados.

The TV personality argued that avoiding the trendy fruit for cereal is healthier for the environment by encouraging people to switch to the trendy fruit. Trade organizations who claim avocados have a “positive ecological footprint than is frequently believed” responded with a counterclaim.

This experience has led Alan to express his worry about a world where people are overly dependent on social media. He believes it “encourages bitterness and arguing.”

Alan Titchmarsh (Image: ITV)
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He stated in a conversation with The Telegraph that “I’m afraid of a world where technology and social media are increasingly ineffective because they lessen the connection between the outside world and nature, and this lessens the importance of taking care of it overall. You must sense, experience, or see nature.

Alan is in favor of a society where disagreements aren’t filled with “insulting” remarks, even though he acknowledges that people will naturally have opinions. He clarifies his position on social media by saying, “Social media is both a good servant and a bad master. I don’t believe in social media and don’t think it should. simply because it seems to promote a lot of argument and bitterness.

He adds, “Just look at how my avocado comments have exploded over the years, and how disproportionately popular are they on mundane subjects like avocados online. I have the right to my opinion and you have the right to mine. You can disagree, but you can also disagree without being insulting or disagreeable.

Alan actively contributes to his social media pages, posting useful advice on growing fruits and veggies from home, cultivating small garden spaces, and raising plants from seeds. He took his green fingers digital with the launch of his YouTube channel last month.

Alan Titchmarsh
Alan Titchmarsh faced an online backlash(Image: ITV)

Alan began his career in 1970s gardening books editing, before eventually publishing his own creations, which he published almost 50 years ago.

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He made the leap into broadcasting in 1977 with Radio 4 and later shifted to television in 1983, becoming a familiar face as the host of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Today, you can catch him presenting Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV One every Sunday morning.

At 9 o’clock in the morning, Alan will chat with famous people on television, including actor Larry Lamb, screenwriter Lynda La Plante, and presenter Kirsty Gallacher.

Rachel Zegler makes ‘secret’ cryptic post as she quietly marks a milestone

As she celebrated her birthday with a number of snaps on the social media platform, Bollywood star Rachel Zegler shared a cryptic message with her followers on Instagram.

With her cryptic post, Rachel Zegler reached a milestone.

Rachel Zegler has seemingly remained neutral over a year where she faced an onslaught of criticism for her Snow White role. The Hollywood star shared a series of pictures to her Instagram as she celebrated her birthday and posted a cryptic message alongside the snaps.

The upload featured a mixture of images intertwined with song lyrics about being 24 as she shared with her followers: “23 was neither good nor bad but a secret third thing. anyways I turn 24 today.” Among the snaps were pictures with her dog and dressed in a series of glamorous outfits as well as one photo where she appeared to be in a hospital bed with several wires attached to her.

Rachel’s role in the Broadway production of Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet was snubbed in the Tony Award nominations this week. Sadie Sink, Sarah Snook, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Laura Donnelly, and Mia Farrow were all given the award for Best Actress, despite the fact that she was not nominated for it.

Rachel Zegler
Rachel shared a series of pictures on Instagram(Image: rachelzegler/instagram)

After receiving a lot of negative feedback about her role in the Disney live-action adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Rachel herself faced a difficult year.

Before Snow White’s official release on March 21st, Rachel received racist and vile hate. People objected to the casting of a Latina (Rachel is half Colombian) in Snow White.

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The film received a bad reception at the box office as a result of the intense criticism it received prior to its release. Rachel’s criticism of the original movie plot at an interview at the Disney exposition event, D23, in September 2022, did not help with the poor performance.

In an interview with Extra, she stated the animated film reflects the 1937 time period it was made as “there’s a big focus on her love story with the guy who literally stalks her” and described it as ” weird.”

She mentioned how the movie is being updated in a contemporary way in another interview with Variety at D23, referencing her co-star Gal Gadot’s claim that Snow White “is not going to be saved by the prince.” She won’t have true love in her dreams. She has dreams about achieving leadership.

Rachel Zegler
Rachel faced a backlash over her Snow White role(Image: rachelzegler/instagram)

Then, in an Entertainment Weekly interview in September 2022, Rachel described how the Disney World Snow White Scary Adventures ride “terrified” her as a child and how she was “terrified” of it as a child.

Her comments caused outrage among viewers, who said she had no love for the movie or was “ungrateful” for the role.

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When it was revealed that a team of CGI-created mythical creatures were replacing the iconic Seven Dwarves, fans of the traditional tale were also left disappointed.

According to the most recent reports, Disney will now face losses of $ 115 million after spending a total of $ 410 million on film production and promotion.

Ledecky breaks first world record in seven years

Images courtesy of Getty

Katie Ledecky, the world’s best swimmer, broke her previous record in seven years.

In eight and four and a half seconds, the 28-year-old broke her previous record of nine years by winning the 800-meter freestyle at the Tyr Pro Series meet in Florida.

The time was faster than the eight-year-old record of 8:04.79, which the nine-time Olympic champion set while taking home gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Ledecky has set a new record for the event for the sixth time since 2013, when she overcame Rebecca Adlington, a two-time Olympian, in 2013.

Ledecky holds four records total for both the long and short courses, including the 800m and 1500m freestyle, before her most recent world record, which she set in May 2018.

Ledecky has had some impressive performance over the past week, winning both titles at the Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020 Games.

She posted her best time in nine years on Thursday, which was her second-fastest freestyle time ever, and on Wednesday, her fastest freestyle time ever.

Gretchen Walsh, her compatriot, broke the 100-meter butterfly world record earlier on Saturday, clocking 55.09 seconds.

With nine to five individual and four relays, the 22-year-old holds the most recent world records.

related subjects

  • Swimming

Primark’s ‘gorgeous’ £12 bags you can ‘mix and match’

After seeing it on TikTok, TikTok users have dubbed the well-known shoulder bag “stunning” and “gorgeous”

Primark shoppers are desperate to snap up the bags(Image: Getty)

After spotting it online, Primark shoppers are desperate to purchase a “stunning” £12 bag in all three colors. There might be a new favorite in stock, but the store is well known for its trendy and affordable clothing.

The retailer is selling the Woven Faux Leather Shoulder Bag, priced at £12, in three shades: chocolate, burgundy and ecru. The bag features a crescent shape, woven texture design and a knotted handle with gold-tone hardware.

A clip featuring the bag in three different colors was shared by TikTok user Kia (@kia_artistry). How stunning are these woven bags andamp, only £12!, the post read. Do I need any of these (please say “yes”)?

The video received almost 3, 000 likes, 115.5k views, and numerous comments from enthralled shoppers. One person said, “You do indeed need all three, I’m also going to go and buy all three.”

Another user commented, “I like the cream one, very summery.” “You need them all,” a third person added.

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A fourth enthralled customer said, “You can mix and match with outfits for $33 for three bags. Beautiful bags for a great price.

Fifth remarked, “You can’t have too many bags with totally three different vibes, why not keep all three?” You need all three, a different customer wrote. After watching your video, I just had to order click n collect.

One customer praised the products, saying, “They are so cute, and the brown is great for everyday looks, you have to keep it now too late.”

Primark's Woven Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
Primark’s Woven Faux Leather Shoulder Bag(Image: Primark )

A fourth person said, “Omg I need,” and a third said, “I’m obsessed.” The fifth remarked, “You need them if you love them.”

Another devoted customer remarked, “Girls, I’m going to Primark tomorrow; I’m hoping they have them in stock.” These are stunning, one person said.

More customers expressed their love for the bags, with one customer saying, “Wow, they’re unreal.” A girl can never have too many bags, wrote another writer. They are stunning and “price is pricing”!

Primark’s product description reads: “A faux leather shoulder bag featuring a stylish woven texture, a sleek zip closure and metallic details.”

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