O’Sullivan laces up her running shoes for the Great Ireland Run – News – European Athletics (EAA)

Former 5,000m World Champion Sonia O'Sullivan will make a special appearance running with the crowds at the Great Ireland Run in Dublin on April 6.

Ireland's greatest-ever sportswoman, 12 months ago made her farewell road racing appearance on home Irish turf in a race she helped create in Loughrea in 1999.

O'Sullivan was instrumental in assisting the transfer of the race from Galway to the city venue of Dublin 's Phoenix Park four years later.

The inaugural winner of the 10km race on that occasion, she has been delighted how it has grown not only as an international, but as a mass participant event.

O'Sullivan currently based in Melbourne, stressed next month she just wants to join the thousands of fun runners expected on the start line.

"I am really looking forward to the Great Ireland Run this year," said O'Sullivan who plans celebrating St Patrick's Day there before returning to her London home.

"It is the ninth year, so fantastic that the Run has continued to grow and become increasingly more popular with runners of all abilities each year.

"This year I will be running for Cork in the mass participation race and I hope to have the backing of plenty runners from Cork as we challenge for the Ronnie Delany County Cup.

"I really love running in the Phoenix Park and to have the opportunity to run there so soon after our return from Australia is something I am really looking forward to on April 6th."

O'Sullivan's continued commitment to Ireland 's top road running event, was welcomed by race organisers Nova International.

"It's great to have received a commitment like this from one of the world's greatest-ever distance runners," said David Hart, Nova's communications director.

"Sonia's been involved in one way or another ever since we launched the event in Loughrea almost a decade ago and played an instrumental role in setting up the Phoenix Park venue.

"The fact she wants to join the masses as they slog it out mainly to raise money for charity, clearly shows the pride she has in the Great Ireland Run."

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, a charity named in memory of Irish singer Ronan Keating's late mother.

European Athletics (EAA)