70 nations chase prize fund of $560,000

CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS:"SEE the Irish Favourite run at Leopardstown" is one of Athletics Ireland's promotional slogans for the World Cross-Country Championships.Yet Sonia O'Sullivan is far from the only attraction at the Dublin racecourse this weekend.

The two-day event will have around 1,000 athletes from 70 nations competing for some of the most coveted titles in world athletics.

Six individual championships are to be decided, with the competition for team titles always of equal magnitude. There is $560,000 prize-money to give out too.

From an Irish point of view, Sunday's events are more eagerly awaited, with O'Sullivan fronting the medal hopes in the short course race and the leading men focusing their efforts on the long course race.

On Saturday, the headline act is Paula Radcliffe and her quest to defend the women's long course title.

Unlike the more traditional cross-country venues, the Leopardstown course will have restricted spectator access, with all areas beyond the stand and finishing straight out of bounds. But, according to event press officer Liam Hennessy, the spectators' experience won't be reduced.

"It is going to be a very good viewing course," said Hennessy. "The spectators are actually going to see a lot more than say a flat course, and there is a giant TV screen at the finish area so that everything that happens outside their view can still be followed.

"The important area is at the finish and in that regard Leopardstown will be ideal. There is ample room for crowds to congregate in front of the railings where the runners come into the finishing straight. But the actual layout of the course and other logistics meant that spectators couldn't be allowed on the far side of the course."

Though no special transport to Leopardstown is arranged for spectators, parking space is substantial.

Saturday's programme has an early start (first race 11.05 a.m.) to avoid a clash with the rugby international at Lansdowne Road, with Sunday's events starting at 12.30 p.m..

Athletics Ireland established a low-call number (1850 20 54 05) to deal with ticket inquires and pre-purchases, but at this stage the majority of spectators will pay at the gate.

Entry is €15 a day, and €10 for children. Both RTÉ and BBC will also be providing live TV coverage.

SATURDAY

10.30: Opening Ceremony

11.05: Junior Women (5.9km)

11.45: Senior Men Short Course (4.2km)

12.15: Senior Women Long Course (8km)

SUNDAY

12:30: Junior Men (8km)

1:20: Senior Women Short Course (4.2km)

2:00: Senior Men Long Course (12km)