Ethiopian star to compete in Belfast race

Ethiopia’s former World cross country silver-medallist Merima Denboba will compete in the Belfast International Cross Country race on January 8.

Denboba, who now represents Italy, is returning to Ulster’s capital where five years ago she claimed second place in the Championship’s long course race.

On that occasion she finished behind her then fellow countrywoman Gete Wami but managed to sneak ahead of Paula Radcliffe.

Last year the 30-year-old African star finished third in the short course event and, as a regular member of the Ethiopian team, has now collected four team gold medals.

Denboba showing her versatility, finished third in this year’s Lisbon half marathon, running a very quick time of 69 minutes 36 seconds for the distance.

Teenager Moses Masai is the first top name to be announced for the men’s race although organisers are adamant they are negotiating to attract several other world class competitors.

Masai, aged 18, showed his ability for the future when setting a Kenyan junior record of 27min 07.29sec in Brussels during the summer, which moved him into the world top 10 rankings for the 10,000 metres distance.