Over 6,300 to take part in the National Lottery Irish Runner 5 Mile Race

The Dublin Marathon Race Series celebrates its 10th year this year with a record number of entries for the National Lottery Irish Runner 5 Mile Race on Saturday. Just over 6,300 runners will line up at the start of the first race in the three part National Lottery Dublin Marathon Race Series, marking its highest ever entry to date since the race’s inception in 2002.

The 5 mile park route attracts runners of all levels of ability and boasts a strong elite field. Leading the men’s elite entry is Clonliffe Harrier’s Sergio Ciobanu who came in third last year. Dundrum South Dublin’s Alan McCormack and City of Derry’s Greg Roberts will also compete for the title. Whilst Lizzie Lee (Leevale), Gladys Ganiel O’Neill (North Belfast Harriers) and Breege Connolly (North Belfast Harriers) will battle it out for the lead in the women’s field.

“We’re thrilled with the entry for the National Lottery Irish Runner 5 Mile Race this year, we’re more than 500 plus entries up on last year and it’s a record entry for us. We’ve already received a healthy level of entries for the subsequent races in the series so hopefully we can expect a strong field for both also” said race director Jim Aughney.

Race organisers are reminding entrants that there will be road closures in place from early morning in the Phoenix Park, so entrants are advised to allow additional time to get there ahead of the race start at 10am sharp. A shuttle bus will operate from Parkgate Street from 8.30-9.30 and will return after the race. Regular race updates will be available on www.twitter.com/dublinmarathon and further post race information on www.facebook.com/dublinmarathon.

There are two more races in the 2011 National Lottery Dublin Marathon Race Series; the Frank Duffy 10 mile (August 20th ) and the Dublin Half Marathon (September 17th). For further information and entry details see www.dublinmarathon.ie.