USA Cross Country Champion Dathan Ritzenhein was in Dublin on Monday 9th January to join Irish Olympic gold medallist Ronnie Delany to launch the Great BUPA Ireland Run 2006 which will take place on Sunday April 9th in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Ritzenehein and Delany were joined at the launch by current Irish cross country and track champion Jolene Byrne of Donore Harriers.

This is the fourth running of the event which has grown dramatically in popularity since the first Run in 2003. Last year there were 5,500 entrants and over 8,000 runners are expected to compete in this year's event. The Run is the largest mixed 10km race in Ireland and includes a 3km race for wheelchair athletes as well as a junior race for participants between the ages of 8 and 15.

For the first time, RTÉ Two television will broadcast the event live in a 90-minute programme from 12.30 pm - 2.00 pm on race day.

Defending champion and World Championships 5000 metre bronze medallist, Craig Mottram of Australia has confirmed he will return to defend his title.

Already, over 1,000 runners have signed up for the Run from the UK and their participation will be a major boost to tourism in Dublin city as they travel to the city for the weekend with family and friends.

BUPA Ireland marketing director, Sean Murray commented: "We have a long involvement with athletics as a healthy pastime for everyone through our sponsorship of the Cork City Sports and the Great Run series.

We intend to build on last year's success, which proved to be a great day out for families, by offering all our members a discounted entry fee.

We are confident that this year's event will attract even more runners, joggers, and walkers from every county in Ireland and that all those who take part will enjoy the benefits of getting fit."

Matthew Turnbull, Athletics Director of race organisers Nova International said: "As in 2005, the 2006 Run will mix some of the world's top middle distance athletes over the same course with joggers and fun runners. We will be strengthening the elite field in 2006 to provide a deeper level of competition at the sharp end of the race.

A very popular innovation in last year's Run will continue in 2006 when runners will be asked to identify their county on the entry form and on Run day they can wear a special number with their county colours. Post race results will break down the performances of runners from each county."

Every finisher will receive a generous goody bag as well as a special Nike T-shirt exclusive to the event.

Participants are being encouraged to raise funds for good causes and the event's nominated charities are Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin and the Marie Keating Foundation.

Prospective runners can apply for an entry form by calling the Great BUPA Ireland Run hotline on (01) 8680088 or online at www.greatrun.org.

Date: Sunday 9th April 2006
Venue: The Phoenix Park, Dublin
Events: Senior Race -10 km (16 years+), Junior Race - 2.5 km (16 years or younger), Wheelchair Race - 3 km
Times: Junior Race 12.15 pm, Wheelchair 12.25 pm, Elite Women 12.40 pm, Elite Men & all others 12.45 pm
Entry Fees: Seniors €28 (€25 BUPA Ireland members), Juniors €11 (€9 BUPA Ireland members)

Thanks to Nicola Hedley and Kate O'Keeffe for this report.