With 10 Kenyans included in Monday morning's Dublin City Marathon, the streets of the capital are set to become a clearway for the grace of African distance running. Bar a total surprise then, that elite race is set to produce an African winner.
For those more interested in simply going the distance, it also promises to be as memorable a race that has ever been staged in Dublin. The final entry of just over 8,000 is only a couple of hundred shy of last year, and considering last month's attacks on the US that is particularly satisfying to the race organisers.
"We still have around 3,000 American entries due to compete," explained race director Jim Aughney yesterday. "That's down about 500 on last year but still a great number considering the events in America.
"We also have an elite race that surpasses anything seen in Dublin before, and you'd usually have to go to the world championships to see that many Africans compete."
Simon Pride of Scotland survived the rain and cold to win last year's event and will toe the line again in search of the top prize (€15,000, or £11,800). Such is the depth of the African presence, however, he is almost certain to be running for the minor places.
Two Kenyans - Wesley Chelule and John Mutai - appear to be the most capable. Chelule has a best of 2:10.14 from the Rome Marathon last year, and is also a previous winner of Italy's Golden Marathon. Mutai, second last year and the winner in 1999, is sure to be pressing for glory once again.
Five South Africans, including 2:12.16-man Brian Zondi, are also in the mix along with leading individuals from Brazil, the Czech Republic and Belgium. Fronting the Irish challenge is national champion Pauric McKinney of Donegal, who can earn €1,500 as the top Irish finisher.
The women's top prize (also €15,000) is more likely to end up in Irish hands. Belfast's Teresa Duffy is a late entry having only decided to run recently after returning home from her honeymoon. But the 1998 winner is confident of her form and eager to make up for last year. On that occasion she went to the start as favourite only to discover Sonia O'Sullivan was a late entry. O'Sullivan duly won in 2:35.42, with Duffy second in 2:37.36.
Duffy won't have lost too much fitness since finishing 39th in the World Championship in Edmonton in August (2:43.33). Cork's Valerie Vaughan has also been diligently preparing to make her debut, with a win in the Cork half marathon and a fourth place in the recent Great South 10 miles.
The race starts at 9 a.m. from the corner of Church Street and Arran Quay. It follows a mostly southside route and finishes in Smithfield.
