Athletics Ireland put up a spirited challenge in the men’s distance medley relay at the Armory Invitational, going under the old world record but having to be content with second in 9:25.37 behind a dominant US outfit in 9:19.93.

The Irish distance medley relay team broke the world record in New York last night - but it wasn’t enough to gain a win at the Armory international.

Paul Pollock produced a mature performance to finish 21st and second fastest European in a new personal best of 2:16:42 in the marathon at the World Track and Field Championship in Moscow on Saturday.

A taste of the Olympics comes to Dublin tomorrow night (7.15pm) as a host of star names compete in the Morton Games before going for gold in London.

Ciarán Ó Lionáird took his track education to a new level at the USA Track and Field Classic in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Saturday night when finishing fifth in the featured men’s mile in 3:54.76.