from AAI website Martin Fagan ran a superb race to take second in the BUPA Great South Run in Portsmouth this morning. The ten mile race saw him take the lead from the start, and his aggressive front running tactics saw the field reduced to a group of eight at a very early stage. By halfway this lead group was down to four with Fagan still controlling the lead.
A couple of miles later it was Kenyan Kibyego that eventually managed to break clear, leaving the Mullingar man to race with Olympic marathon champion Luke Kibet.
As the leader, who has a best of 46:31, made the best of his way to victory, there was a terrific battle for the minor placings. Kibet got away as they were running along the promenade in Portsmouth, but the never say die attitude of Fagan saw him produce a great finishing burst to bring him past the Kenyan for a marvellous second place finish, crossing the line with a huge beam on his face to show his delight.
After the race Fagan said he was very excited with the performance “I really didn’t expect that. I’m enjoying running, I’ve been out injured for so long so I’m just having fun with it, and I’m just excited to be back racing again. I’ve been away from Europe for a while and I feel like I’m at home here with the weather” (lots of umbrellas around!!)
His goal for the season is the European cross country championships and on this performance he will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.
1. Bernard Kipyego 46:43
2. Martin Fagan 46:58
3. Luke Kibet 47:01
4. Jose Manuel Martinez 47:15
8. GARY MURRAY 48:11
13. Vinny Mulvey 48:52
14 Mark Carroll 48:54