BELFAST CITY MARATHON: The 21st edition of the Belfast City Marathon, which starts at noon today, will this year double as the AAI national championships. Close to 1,500 starters are expected to set off from the Maysfield Leisure Centre.
Not surprisingly, Kenya provides the race favourite in Wilson Cheruiyot.
The winner in 2000 and runner-up to Joseph Riri in last year's event, he is seeking to become the fifth man to win the Belfast Marathon for a second time.
Fellow Kenyan Hilary Lelei, who is targeting the course record of two hours 15 minutes and 51 seconds set by Belfast's Marty Deane back in 1985, is likely to be his main opposition.
Heading the local entries are Northern Ireland's two top distance runners. Alan McCullough, a brother of the boxer Wayne, will be looking to improve on last year's fourth-place finish. David Brady, who followed his fellow North Belfast Harrier home in fifth place in 2001, will also hope to build on his performance.
Scotland's Simon Pride, winner of the Dublin Marathon in 2000, is also capable of winning, while Donegal's Pauric McKinney will also be looking to defend his AAI national title.
Top of the women's entry list is Mary Jennings, winner in 2000 and seeking to become only the third woman to win the Belfast Marathon more than once.
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