Fagan aims for home glory

MARTIN FAGAN is ready to take on all comers when he defends his title in tomorrow’s Spar Great Ireland Run.

The 28-year-old Mullingar Harriers runner arrived in Dublin this week after a long trip from his training base in Arizona and declared himself very fit, and ready to race for the 10km road race in the Phoenix Park at 1pm.

“I always like competing at home and it is good to be able to be back in Dublin to defend the title I won in the Phoenix Park last year,” Fagan said.

“Last year, some of the top runners were not able to make it to Dublin due to the ash cloud, but the challenge I face on Sunday is going to be really tough.”

Indeed Fagan faces stiff opposition as the organisers have drafted in some highly-rated international runners to compete in the men’s race, which incorporates the Athletics Ireland National Championships for the distance.

Nine-time European cross-country champion, Sergey Lebid from Ukraine, and Rui Silva of Portugal, an Olympic bronze medallist at 1,500m in 2004 and a former world indoor champion at the same distance, will ensure that the pace is lively up front.

Also entered in the elite men’s line up is Jesus Espana of Spain, the European champion at 5,000m in 2006.

The other Irish challenge is likely to come from national cross-country champion Joe Sweeney of Dundrum South Dublin Athletic Club, Brian Farrell, Slí Cualann AC, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Tallaght AC and Mick Clohisey of Raheny Shamrock AC.

Mary Cullen of North Sligo AC leads the Irish challenge in a women’s race with a strong international flavour.

Included in the field are Berhane Adere of Ethiopia — a former 10,000m world champion and Deloroes Checa of Spain who placed fifth at this year’s 3,000m European Indoor Championships.

Fionnuala Britton of Slí Cualann AC in Wicklow will join Cullen to mount a two-prong Irish attack at the front. Sonia O’Sullivan, will be present to start the junior race which is over 2.5km and open to ages eight to 15.