Sonia O'Sullivan (Ballymore Cobh AC) officially announced her participation in the 2002 New York City Marathon, which will be held on 3rd November.

O'Sullivan ran the Mini-Marathon in New York in June where she placed 3rd in 31:22 and since then speculation that she would return for the marathon.

O'Sullivan was a volunteer for the 1991 NYC Marathon when she came as first-year runner at Villanova loading athlete's gear in a lorry.

The Irish Olympic silver medallist will arrive in the city in fine form. In addition to her double-silver performance at August's European Championships, she set world road best for 10-miles at the BUPA Great South Run .

Despite the fact that this will be her first serious marathon, [she ran 2.35.42 in Dublin in 2000] she will no doubt be among the favourites and isn't shying away from that role saying, "I'm not necessarily trying to run a fast time. The competition and the race is much more important to me than the clock. Just win the race, and the time will come."