Flower power to help Dublin runners

THE flowering beauty of Bloom 2007 will be used this weekend to help participants in the Dublin mini-marathon relax.

Bord Bia, host of the world-class gardening showpiece — to be held on a 70 acre site in Phoenix Park — and the celebrated former Irish athlete Catriona McKiernan yesterday announced the link-up.

The mini-marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday but the first 200 participants to arrive at the Bloom office in Phoenix Park on Sunday, will be presented with complimentary tickets to the event along with a plant.