Mottram looking for hat-trick

Defending champion Craig Mottram believes he is in better shape for this year’s Great BUPA Ireland Run in Dublin on Saturday.

Mottram will be chasing a third successive victory in Phoenix Park – and his current fitness points to another victory for Australia’s number one distance runner.

The 2002 World Cup 3000metres champion showed his pedigree on Sunday when finishing runner-up in the Carlsbad 5K race in the United States.

Mottram was up against world-class opposition and clocked a time of 13 minutes 2- seconds, although was unable to match the speed of Dejene Berhanu who beat him by 10secs.

It was the Ethiopian’s third successive victory at the US venue and his knowledge of the course proved to be a definite advantage as he scorched to his win.

Now Mottram himself is hoping his own knowledge of the 10K Dublin venue will work in his favour as he chases a hat-trick of successes.

“To be running 13.20 at this time of year was impressive,” said Mottram after finishing ahead of highly-fancied Kenyan runners.

“This was my first time at Carlsbad,” said the 24-year-old Aussie. “This was a fantastic race.

“Obviously, there’s something special here. The crowd is amazing. They are always encouraging you to go quicker.”

Now Mottram is hoping for the same kind of support from Irish fans that he received from spectators at the Californian venue.

Mottram, coached by Nic Bideau who guides the career of former Olympic 5000m silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan, will start as favourite on Saturday.

Irish stalwart Mark Carroll is competing in the race for the first time and experienced British international John Mayock will be out to make it a tough battle for him.