Carroll sets half marathon record in build-up to New York

THE spotlight may be on Sonia O’Sullivan in the lead up to the New York marathon but Mark Carroll could be a dark horse in the men’s race despite the competitiveness of the field.

The Leevale man fine-tuned his preparations a week ago when he won the half marathon around Central Park in 63 mins 11 secs a new course record. Reports indicate it was an easy run for him and afterwards he continued on for another seven miles to complete his training for the day. He will be tapering off for his marathon debut next week and, needless to say, there is a lot of excitement surrounding his current form.

Keith Kelly accompanied him for seven miles in the Central Park race and has been training with him as he prepares for the upcoming cross-country season. The former NCAA champion missed last season and the track season with a recurring hip injury that has cleared up.