O'Sullivan to face old foe

Although Sonia O'Sullivan races in today's women's mini marathon in Dublin purely "for fun", she won't have it all her own

Although Sonia O'Sullivan races in today's women's mini marathon in Dublin purely "for fun", she won't have it all her own. Kenya's Magdaline Chemjor, who finished second to O'Sullivan last year, is back again for another crack at the Olympic silver medallist.

O'Sullivan is likely to at least target the course record of 31 minutes 28 seconds she set when winning last year. She clocked 32:35 for fifth place over a similar 10km course in Glasgow a fortnight ago. Starting at Fitzwilliam Square (3 p.m.), the race heads out by Ballsbridge and returns down Stillorgan Road.

Elsewhere, there were winning performances at the Riga International on Saturday for Emily Maher over 100 metres (11.83), Ciara Sheehy over 200 metres (24.35) and Deirdre Ryan in the high jump (1.81 metres). On the men's side, Paul Brizzell took a sprint double (10.85, 21.12), and Paul Opperman was second in the 400 metres (48.14).

Tonight in Hengelo, Holland, James Nolan will seek a 1,500 metres qualifying time for the World Championships in Edmonton, his target time being 3:36.2.

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Riga International, Latvia: (Irish placings) - Women: 100 metres: 1, E Maher 11.83; 200 metres: 1, C Sheehy 24.35; 400 metres: 3, M McCarthy 53.52; 800 metres: 3, A Byrne 2:07.3; High Jump: 1, D Ryan 1.81; Long Jump: 5, S Colhoun 5.67; Men: 100 metres: 1, P Brizzell 10.82, 2, M Howard 10.92; 200 metres 1, P Brizzell 21.12, 2, M Howard 21.37; 400 metres: 2, P Opperman 48.14; 800 metres: 3, D Kelly 1:53.18; Long Jump: 4, S Lonergan 7.09; Javelin: 2, D Kelly 56.58.

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics