Race preview: Bupa Great South Run 5k on Saturday October 29, 2011 & Bupa Great South Run 10m on Sunday October 30, 2011
Sonia O'Sullivan, a two time Bupa Great South Run winner and widely regarded as Ireland's best ever distance runner, is to take part in the inaugural Bupa Great South Run 5k on Saturday 29 October.
Sonia, who broke the world record for the 10 mile distance at the Bupa Great South Run in 2002, currently resides in Australia, but will be in Portsmouth as part of the commentary team for the live Channel 5 TV coverage of the event.
Speaking from her Melbourne home, she said "It will be good fun to be a part of the new 5k event and will bring back happy memories of running on the seafront in Southsea. I always look back on my world best run as one of the highlights of my road running career.
"This time though I will be taking part as a fun runner so I will be able to enjoy the great views!"
David Hart, Communications Director of event organisers Nova, said "We are thrilled that Sonia will be taking part in the first Bupa Great South Run 5k and her involvement will certainly add to the occasion."
The Bupa Great South Run 5k will start at 10am on Saturday 29th October and is open to runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities. Up to a thousand people are expected to take part, with entries available at www.greatrun.org
The event forms part of a weekend festival of running which includes the Bupa Junior and Mini Great South Runs on the Saturday and the Bupa Great South Run, the world’s leading 10 mile running event, the following day.
Photo: Sonia took part in the Bupa Great North Run in 2010 for fun