Morris gears up for Olympics

British marathon sensation Tracey Morris, whose first appearance for her country will be at the Olympic Games, bids for further glory in tomorrow’s BUPA Great Manchester Run.

Morris, who only took up serious running 18 months ago, claimed a surprise place in the team for Athens by finishing as the leading Briton in last month’s Flora London Marathon.

Morris has been treated as a sporting celebrity since her amazing performance in the capital but admits she now faces a tough task against some world-class opposition in Manchester.

“I will be doing my very best but remember some of my opponents have run a few minutes faster than I have,” said Morris of the 10 kilometre race.

“There are some great names here, so I am just looking to enjoy the race.”

The Leeds athlete, who has a 10k best of 33 minutes 41 seconds, sliced an unbelievable one hour and six minutes off her marathon mark in London but now faces some awesome opposition.