‘Marathon Man’ returns to old stomping ground

DICK HOOPER, Ireland’s Marathon Man, will be at his old stomping ground, St Anne’s Park in Raheny, tomorrow to present the prizes for the Dublin City Council/BHAA road races when the programme will be comprised of a men’s four-mile race and women’s two mile race.

Hooper’s club, Raheny Shamrock AC, will have a double role on Sunday when they host the Woodie’s DIY national road relay championships as well as defending the senior men’s title.

Crusaders will provide a big threat with Olympic 800m runner Thomas Chamney and Alan O’Brien included in the squad. Clonliffe Harriers have shown their depth by fielding four teams in the championships, while Lucan Harriers, Ennis Track, Liffey Valley, North Down, Sportsworld and Finn Valley AC are all represented.