Catherina McKiernan is still targeting the world half marathon championship at Zurich on September 27th as her next race. McKiernan, rated number two in the world at the distance, has not as yet, had her entry ratified by BLE who want her to enter into a contract to run in the national inter-club and the World Cross Country Championships at the end of the season.

Commenting on suggestions that she will compete in another race in Luxembourg on the same date, she said. "That is purely a fall back measure - I'm still aiming to run in Zurich.

"That is where all the best runners, including Tegra Larupe of Kenya, will be on September 27th and I feel that I should be there representing my country.

"This matter has been dragging on since July and with only a fortnight to go to the race, I believe that the BLE should now come out and say they are going to enter me. The delay certainly does nothing to help me in my preparations".

BLE, who contend that they have the backing of the IAAF in their stance in the controversy, are likely to discuss the matter further at the weekend.