Sinead Delahunty
photo by Alison Wade
Kilkenny's Sinead Delahunty ran a brilliant 1,500-metre race at the Steve Prefontaine Classic Grand Prix meeting held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on 27th May. In only her second race since the Sydney Olympics, the Irish Olympian was in the hunt for 1,300m. She was unable to respond with any closing speed due to a lack of speed workouts. A debilitating calf has bothered Delahunty since January when she was in fine form. The injury treated by Gerard Hartman was found to be due to a back problem. Delahunty is cautiously optimistic.
She ran 4.11.06 for sixth place and was in high spirits after her race telling Irish Runner.com, "I am very pleased with the race. It is only my second race since Sydney. I ran a low-key race last weekend in Boston. I felt good until the last 200 metres. I couldn't go with them. I haven't done anything fast on the track yet. I am happy with today.
Mark Carroll
photo by Alison Wade
Leevale's Mark Carroll placed eighth in the 5k in a respectable 13.32.28. It was second race on the track for the Corkman this outdoor season. He won a 3k in Boston last Friday breaking eight minutes. Kildare's Andrew Walker had pacing duties for the first 2-kilometres of the prestigious Pre 5k race passing the mile in 4.08.8. Walker will be competing in the 1,500m at the US Open Grand Prix I meeting to be held on 9th June in Palo Alto, California.
Carroll ran a consistent race but never challenged nor ran in the lead pack. After the race he explained, "It was training - that's it. I am pointing for July. I'm gonna get it right this year. I don't want to flying right now. I've got plenty of time.
Also serving as a pacer was James McIlroy who led for the first 500 metres in the 800m event.
Later this week on this very track - Hayward Field, four Irish athletes will be competing in the NCAA Track & Field Championships. The Irish contingent is comprised of a trio of Ray Treacy-coached Providence Friars, Keith Kelly (10k), Paul Reilly (5k) and Róisín McGettigan (3,000m steeplechase) along with Navan's Nicola Coffey (hammer) competing for St Johns University.
Sinead Delahunty #1 |
Sinead Delahunty #2 |
Suzy Favor Hamilton Wins! |
James McIlroy |
Andrew Walker |
Mark Carroll |
Pre Classic Report |
Complete Results of the Pre Classic |
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