Gideon Kimosop will be man to beat at Larne Half Marathon

Kimosop, the Irish based Kenyan running for Project Africa, is already the winner of Belfast and Omagh Half Marathons.

He had a runaway success in the Derry 10 Miles two weeks ago before running 3rd in the prestigious Bath Half Marathon in a classy 64:55.

The battle for medals behind Kimosop will be intense. Crawfordsburn winner Neil Weir, John Black 3rd in Derry, Ben Morrow bronze medallist in Bangor, Kent Swann, David Simpson and ultra specialist Martin Rea all have claims.

Laura Graham and Judith Lonnen the top two in the Dune Half Marathon the opener of the Pure Running/ChampionChip Ireland Series will be favourites for a repeat.

Laura is in superb form. She dominated the Forest Series winning every round before taking 2nd behind Terry O’Flaherty in the Jimmy Murray 10K.

Triathlon expert Judith Lonnen followed her 2nd in Dundalk with 4th in Downpatrick and can take another silver here.

Martsje Hell, Diane Watson, Amanda Perry, Sarah Jane Guiney, Pauline Thom and Scottish visitors Lisa Finlay and Hazel Smyth will all go well.

There is a huge prize list covering all categories. Pacers will be provided. There is also a three person relay with 41 teams plus a walk.

The spectacular course goes around Larne before moving out and home on the coast road to finish on the promenade near the leisure centre.

The action starts at 11 o’clock.

Meanwhile sixteen local athletes will be in action at Falkirk on Saturday for the Home Countries Cross Country International.

Northern Ireland and Ulster champion Aaron Doherty is flying in from Madrid to lead the Mens side while Karen Alexander and Jodi Smith lead the Ladies.

The teams are: Men: Aaron Doherty, Seamus Lynch, Mark McKinstry and Neil Johnston. Women: Jodi Smith, Karen Alexander, Gerrie Short and Rebecca Henderson. Junior Men: Fintan Stewart, Eoin McCann and Christy Conlon. Junior Women: Laura Gardiner, Toni Moore, Rebekah Nixon, Zoe Carruthers and Aiofe McSheffrey.