O'Dowd chases second Irish title

Matt O’Dowd will chase a second Rás na hÉireann in Termonfechin, Co Louth next month in the event where three years ago he was crowned champion.

Facing him on February 27 will be fellow Olympian Michael Bartozak of Poland while Kim Smith, who ran for New Zealand in Athens, heads the women’s field.

Smith is under the guidance of Ray Treacy, who coached the Kiwi to her greatest career victory in the USA when winning the NCAA cross country title for Providence College.

Teams from England, Wales, Scotland, South Africa, USA, and Russia have also agreed to participate.