Britton to run in European championship marathon

Fionnuala Britton has made a shock decision to run the European championship marathon later this month.

The time European cross country champion was originally entered in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, will now make her debut over the gruelling distance at a major championship.

Britton will still compete in the 10,000 meters where she aims to medal, although will look to emulate John Treacy’s 1984 Olympic marathon silver medal.

Treacy went to the Los Angeles Olympics to compete over 10,000 meters and decided late on to take part in the marathon, setting an Irish record for silver which still stands today.

Britton will form part of a three woman team which will aim for a European team marathon medal along with French native Barbara Sanchez and Dublin’s Sarah Mulligan.

Galway native Nicola Duncan, who made her senior debut earlier this year has withdrawn, as has former Olympian Maria McCambridge, allowing Britton to join the team.