Posted: February 8, 2005

Athletics: O'Sullivan And Carroll Set For Great BUPA Ireland Run

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

By Bob Ramsak

Mark Carroll and Sonia O’Sullivan will be among the headliners for the third Great BUPA Ireland Run 10k in Dublin on April 9, organizers announced today.

For Carroll, the Irish national record holder at 3000, 5000 and 10,000 meters, it will the first appearance at the 10 km road race while O’Sullivan will attempt to regain the title won last year by Catherina McKiernan.

The 33-year-old Carroll opened his 2005 season with a 7:46.60 win in the 3000 meters at the Boston University Invitational ten days ago, his fastest performance at the distance, indoors or outdoors, since 2001.

"Mark showed he still has the aggression for running on the boards," said Matthew Turnbull, the race athletics director. "I'm sure he'll bring that form with him when he makes his debut in the Great BUPA Ireland Run after missing last year's through injury."

Australian Craig Mottram, winner of the previous two editions, will return to defend his title.

"Mottram's eager to complete a hat trick and that is the reason he jumped without hesitation at the opportunity of returning to Dublin," Turnbull said. "A great race is on the cards."

Turnbull added that he is delighted that O'Sullivan is again supporting the event after finishing fourth last year to McKiernan, who is now retired.

"I understand she's had a solid winter's training down in Australia after recovering from a minor injury," said Turnbull. "Now it's a case of getting some other top women into the race."

Entries are still open for the event, with nearly 2000 entrants already registered.