Speculation that double European silver medallist Sonia O'Sullivan will run an autumn marathon increased today when the Irish star announced her racing programme for the next six weeks. The 5,000 and 10,000 metres runner-up in Munich earlier this month revealed she will take part in the Great Ireland run in Loughrea on October 13th - a race she won in the inaugural year of 1999, which is now one of the country's top sporting events.
Nic Bideau said a possibility existed that O'Sullivan might step up to the marathon distance where it is anticipated she will be equally successful as British rival Paul Radcliffe, winner on her debut in London last April. "There is a chance she might do one in the autumn. Sonia is considering her options and is currently training for longer distances. Much will depend on what her future races tell her," said Bideau.
Although it is still the track season, O'Sullivan has several road races already written into her competition schedule. On Sunday she takes part in the women's-only Flora Lite Challenge five-miler in London's Hyde Park. The following weekend O'Sullivan heads a top field over 10 miles in the BUPA Great South Run. Then on September 22 she will compete in the Nike London 10K run, being staged in Richmond Park.
Filed by James Shortt
