Irish Olympian aims to relive past glories
Delahunty-Evans, 34, was a surprise winner of the race up one of Manhattan’s most famous streets in 1995 and followed it up with a fourth-place in 96, and runner-up finish in 97 before the event went into hibernation. But the athlete, who represented Ireland at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, faces a stiff examination of her current form by going up against a strong field in the Mile’s first running since 1998.
The field is headed by 2004 US Olympian Carrie Tollefson, former NCAA All American Amy Mortimer and two-time Olympian Amy Rudolph, two weeks ahead of her marriage to Irish Olympian Mark Carroll.
Delahunty-Evans has run 4:08.91 this year over 1500 metres off of a late-starting season and was disappointed last Saturday to clock 4:46.2 in the Great North Mile run in Newcastle.
“The Great North Run didn’t go very well,” she said.
“I got a cold during the week and felt rotten during the race but it’s finally cleared up now.
“I’ve missed some time in August when there was a gap in the schedule but I’m feeling good now, not too bad at all.
“The Fifth Avenue Mile is a great race and I love going to New York. It’s a race with a lot of fond memories for me; a fun place too but it’s a strong field and just about every top American is there, Carmen Douma (of Canada) too.”
Delahunty-Evans has one eye on making the Irish team for the European Cross Country Championships this December.
“I feel I’m fitter than my times suggest and that I can run faster if all the ducks fall into line. I was seventh in the European cross in 95 and I think I can run well and run fast this December.”
* The adidas Half Marathon is expected to attract record numbers tomorrow in Dublin, with confirmed participation already at 2,500.
If you want to join the field for the Phoenix Park, there’s still time. Late registration will take place tomorrow morning at the race headquarters at Castleknock College between 8 - 9am for a fee of €20.
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