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McCullough to Lead Local Challenge in Belfast Marathon

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None Willowfield’s Alan McCullough will be making an all out effort to make the winners rostrum in Monday’s 28th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon. 44 year old McCullough- brother of boxing legend Wayne- has just failed in the past to capture a top three placing in Belfast on less than four occasions. In the years from 2003 to 2006 he finished an agonizing fourth each time with a best performance of just under 2 hours 29 minutes in the 2005 race behind African winner Erick Kiplagat.

With his “so near yet so far” reputation McCullough is determined to make another attempt to capture that illusive bronze medal. Recent impressive runs at Downpatrick and the Larne Half Marathon have shown he is in excellent shape and free from the numerous injuries that have plagued him over the years.
Alan realises he has little chance of challenging pre race Kenyan favourites John Mutai and Zak Kihara who will be targeting Marty Deane’s long standing Marathon record of 2 hours 14 minutes 51 seconds. He is however hopeful of both setting new PB figures and being the first local finisher.

What a pity that he will not face that other local marathon maestro Tommy Hughes who was an outstanding 6th in last years race after a 10 year absence following his win in the 1988 race. 49 year old Hughes who consistently proves that age is no barrier to success is again back in serious training. However Belfast has arrived a little early in his schedule- his next marathon is likely to be in the autumn.

Other locals who will be well to the fore include Willowfield’s former NI Cross Country champion Gary McLernon who will be aiming for a sub 3 hours 40 minutes time in his marathon debut. A similar tune is expected from North Belfast’s Martin Rea who finished in last years top 10. Moldova’s Sergiu Ciobanu is also expected to do well following his 5th place finish last year in under 2 hrs 26 minutes.

The quality of the top contenders in the women’s race has improved significantly in recent years with upwards of 6 athletes likely to break the 3 hours barrier. While locals are unlikely to mix it with 2006 Belfast winner Joyce Kandie of Kenya, Irish vet champion Helena Crossan of Inishowen is determined to retain her second spot place from last year when she recorded a PB of 2 hours 55 minutes.

However Crossan will be closely challenged by Sperrin’s Karen Alexander (3rd last year in just under 2 hours 56 minutes) plus Lagan Valley’s Suzanne McCormick who recently just lost out to the Sperrin girl at Larne. City of Derry’s Anne Paul (4th last year) and North Belfast’s Amanda Perry may also be vying for places on the winner’s podium.

Belfast Marathon organizers have again been working flat out to cope with a deluge of record entries which includes almost 3000 for the marathon itself plus an amazing 10,750 runners in the 5-person relay event.

The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is sponsored by Aer Lingus, Belfast City Council, Charles Hurst Renault, Eventsec, New Balance, Sport Northern Ireland, Translink, Reach EPS, Tayto and Up and Running. Media partners are the Daily Mirror and U105. Official accommodation partner is Premier Inn.

The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is organised by Belfast City Marathon Ltd., in partnership with Athletics Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, the Department for Regional Development, Newtownabbey Borough Council, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Sustrans and Translink.

For full details of the 2009 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon, visit www.belfastcitymarathon.com