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Catherina McKiernan won the Ras na heireann in 1998 which
has been her only appearance in this prestigious event. Ras
na hEireann race director Larry McGuill since 1970 announced
today that Catherina is going to appear on the starting line
on Sunday February 29th to represent Ireland at the new Dundalk
Racecourse. The Dundalk racecourse is probably the best location
in the country to host an international cross country race.
The two-kilometer loop is fully visible from the enclosed
restaurant and the stands of the brand new stadium. Already
over 400 runners have signed up online to run Ras na hEireann.
Catherina McKiernan will be challenged by England's international
athletes Cathrine Berry and Chalotte Dale. Berry has great
speed with a best time of 9.02 for 3000M and has shown tremendous
form on the US road scene in 2003. Dale is a recent European
Junior Cross country Champion that has now graduating to the
senior ranks. Former USA cross country champion Priscilla
Heins will also be a creditable challenge. Ras organizers
also hope to have Rosemary Ryan and Ann Keenan Buckly participate
in this years event.
The Men's race is also shaping up to be the most exciting
race to date. Joining the Irish athletes will be athletes
from Ethopia, Kenyan, Poland, South Africa, France, Romania,
USA, Russia, Belgium, Germany, Wales, Scotland, England, Algeria
and Australia. This is the largest ever
international field put together by Larry McGuill and should
provide a very entertaining race. The largest ever field in
due in part to the collaboration of an old tradition between
Dunleer athletic club and Armagh athletic club in the north.
In the Seventies and eighties these two clubs
were part of the International sports and cultural week which
is now being revived with great success. Most of the runners
running in the ras na hEireann will also be participating
in the Armagh Road races that will be held on Thursday February
26th in Armagh.
There is also going to be a large group of American youth
runners in the aged group races. Pre-race favorites for the
men's race would have to include Polish cross country champion
Michal Bartozak, Former English cross country Champion Sam
Haughian, and German cross country champion Damian Kallabis
who also finished 9th in the 2000 Olympic steeplechase. Kallabis
has run 8.09 for the 3000 meter steeplechase event.
The Ras na hEireann will also be rasing funds this year for
Children for Children. This is an organization that is focus
this year on creating a telemedic link between the worlds
number one children's hospital St. Judes in Memphis TN , USA
and childrens hospitals in Belfast and Dublin.
For more details on Ras na hEireann and to signup online
visit the event website at www.rasnaheireann.com. Entry fees
are discounted online for all runners that wish to participate.
www.rasnaheireann.com
Source the Athletics Ireland
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