Posted: April 1, 2005

Athletics: Ochichi Added To Field For Bupa Great Manchester Run

From David Monti

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

By Bob Ramsak

Olympic 5000 meter champion Isabella Ochichi has been added to the field for next month's BUPA Great Manchester Run, organizers announced this week.

After her 30:27 win over Paula Radcliffe at the Crescent City Classic 10-K last weekend, the second fastest performance ever, organizers are hoping the 25-year-old Kenyan's momentum can continue at the 22-May race.

"We're not setting Isabella any targets, but I see no reason why she cannot challenge the UK-All Comers record time of 30:38," said the event's athletics director Matthew Turnbull.

The UK all-comers record was set by Radcliffe in 2002 in London's Richmond Park.

"Certainly the form Ochichi is in at present," Turnbull added, "suggests the record is there for the taking and the class of her opponents will, I'm sure, ensure a fast race if the weather is on the runner's side."

Dutchwoman Lornah Kiplagat, who is contesting next weekend's Fortis Rotterdam Marathon, is also entered, along with Latvian Jelena Prokopcuka, winner of the recent Osaka Ladies Marathon. At last summer's Olympic Games, Prokopcuka set a national record 31:04.10 in the 10,000m. Sonia O'Sullivan will also return to defend her title. Last year, O'Sullivan defeated a strong field, including Ethiopian Berhane Adere and Kenyan Margaret Okayo.

"They're top notch 10K runners and Sonia O´Sullivan's defending her title, so certainly on paper a fast race will be on the cards," Turnbull said, adding that O'Sullivan is preparing specifically for the Manchester race.

Ochichi, who finished third and fifth in the short and long course races at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships less than two weeks ago, will race this Sunday in the Carlsbad 5000 in Carlsbad, Calif.