Sonia O’Sullivan to run Twilight 2 Miler/AUS

The Grandstand Twilight 2 Miler is a new community running event held by Athletics NSW, open to runners of all ages and abilities who are looking to test themselves over the fast, flat 2mile (3.2km) course.There will also be a 2K for Kids events run over the same course in Smith St.

Sonia O'Sullivan is one of the highest profile athletes ever to visit Newcastle and is arguably Ireland's greatest ever athlete; dominated International middle & long distance running (particularly 5000m) for a decade (early 1990's – early 2000's). Sonia is the Event Patron for Grandstand Twilight 2 Miler (7pm, Fri 17th Jan).  Also, guest speaker at Chicked! – Women In Running Afternoon Tea (3:30pm, Fri 17th Jan).

Main Achievements:
Olympic 5000m Silver Medalist (Sydney 2000)
World 5000m Champion, 1995
Double World Cross Country Champion, 1998
(IAAF Profile: https://www.iaaf.org/athletes/ireland/sonia-osullivan )

Originally from Cobh, County Cork, Ireland. the 44 yo lives in Melbourne with partner Nic Bideau (leading running coach/manager), and their two daughters, Ciara & Sophie. Sonia has Australian Citizenship and was selected to represent Australia at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, however didn't compete due to injury. 7 years an and she is still running. According to her Twitter account description: ‘I like to run most days and swim & cycle in between'.

Sonia is looking forward to taking part in two upcoming local running events in support of the Hunter Track Classic – the newly launched Twilight 2 Miler (7pm, Fri 17th Jan) & Blackbutt parkrun 5K (8am, Sat 18th Jan). In her only other visit to Newcastle, in April this year, Sonia finished 2nd in the Herald Hill to Harbour, and also set a new Age-Grade record at Newy parkrun (5K).

"I had a great time visiting Newcastle in April, and can't wait to get back. Its definitely a beautiful part of the world & I'm excited to be involved with the first ever Twilight 2 Miler."

Sonia's return to the Hunter in 2014, will see her take on the shorter & rarely raced 2mile event, a distance she once held the World Record of  9:19.56 set in July 1998 in Cork, Ireland

The Grandstand Twilight 2 Miler is a new community running event held by Athletics NSW, open to runners of all ages and abilities who are looking to test themselves over the fast, flat 2mile (3.2km) course.There will also be a 2K for Kids events run over the same course in Smith St.

Other confirmed big names taking part in the inaugural Twilight 2 Miler are Youcef Abdi, 6th 3000m Steeplechase 2008 Beijing Olympics, and a slew of middle distance runners here for the Hunter Track Classic. The 2 Miler will this year, form a pre-program of events include the Newcastle Gift & Hunter's Fastest Kid,  which will serve as the curtain-raiser for the annual Hunter Track Classic – touted as the local athletics equivalent of Surfest due to its national & international significance.

Always a fierce competitor on the track, it is clear Sonia still has a deep love & respect for the sport, but admits she has had to find a new approach focusing less on competition and more on running for the sheer enjoyment.

"I do miss it (training & running at an elite level), but I'm happy now to stay active by running most days, while also enjoying swimming and cycling with good friends. I hope to be doing this for many years to come".

Local female runners are also in for a treat as O'Sullivan will be guest speaker at a ‘girls only' afternoon tea on Friday afternoon (17th Jan) at No.2 Sports Ground. The theme is ‘Women In Running' and the event is expected to draw lots of interest & a large crowd. Local running enthusiast, Niav Owen from ABC Grandstand will be the MC.

Event Details:

Twilight 2 Miler entry $20
2K for Kids entry $10  (both include complementary ticket to the Hunter Track Classic, Glendale, 6pm Sat 18th Jan). Starting from outside the Newcastle Athletic Field, Smith St.

Chicked!

Women in Running Afternoon Tea tickets $15. Held at Function Room, No.2 Sports Ground, Smith St.

Full information & entry/tickets via: www.twilight2miler.com.au