Mottram chases fourth consecutive Dublin title

World 5000metres bronze medallist Craig Mottram will chase a fourth successive victory at the BUPA Great Ireland Run on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Australian considers the 10kilometres road race in Dublin to be vital preparation in the build-up to the fast-approaching track season.

“In the past few years I’ve always run here before beginning serious training at altitude to get ready for the summer,” said Mottram, who last month won the Commonwealth 5000m silver medal before falling in the 1500m final when favourite for the gold medal.

“I’m reasonably fit but possibly not in as good a shape as I’d possibly like to be.”

Mottram, whose biggest rival in Phoenix Park is likely to be European cross country champion Sergiy Lebid of Ukraine, added: “In the past the Dublin race has always figured in my plans and been an important race when I’ve come over from Australia.

“Then as usual, I intend taking a week to 10 days off before flying off for some altitude training.”

Mottram, an easy winner of the last three Dublin contests, said: “Sunday is the start of my preparations and I’ve come here to win and it will be tougher this time particularly with Lebid in the field.

“I don’t know what kind of shape he will be in and how he will cope with the hills around the course, but I’m alright and looking forward to making it a fourth success.”

Amy Rudolph, of the United States, returns to defend her women’s title but faces tough competition against late entry Meselech Melkamu from Ethiopia.