Mpolokeng to defend title

ATHLETICS: Two weeks ahead of the Dublin Marathon on October 28th, the organisers have announced the field of elite athletes, which is headed by last year's winner Zacharia Mpolokeng of South Africa. Also part of the starting line-up will be 10 Kenyans, including promising newcomer Philip Kipsang Rugut.

Other contenders for the top prize of €15,000 will be Gino Van Geyte of Belgium, who finished just four seconds behind Mpolokeng's winning time of 2:14.03 last year, and Morocco's Mohammed El Hattab, who finished 10th in the London Marathon last April.

The chances of a home victory on the men's side appear slim, although national marathon champion Gary Crossan, from Donegal, is in form to secure the prize for the top Irish finisher. Dundrum's Conor Holt will make an eagerly awaited debut several years after displaying exciting potential while on scholarship in the US. Last year's top Irish finisher, John Griffin, and second-placed Pauric McKinney are also set to return.

Teresa McCloskey (formerly Duffy) will attempt to regain the Dublin title she won in 1998 and, after a fifth-place finish at the Commonwealth Games last July, the Belfast athlete won't be short of confidence. Three Russian entries and a sole Kenyan provide good competition.

The organisers have also finalised this year's course. Starting on Leinster Street South, it will follow a mostly south-side route before heading for a lap around the Phoenix Park and coming back to finish on Merrion Square West.