THE 2020 Ballyliffin International Coastal Challenge has been pushed back to a new date in the summer – and Sonia O’Sullivan is still set to take part.
The popular race – which was expected to attract 1500 participants on Easter Saturday, April 11 – has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Organisers have now pencilled in Saturday, July 4 to stage the race, which is being held in association with Specsavers, Letterkenny.
There have been 1300 entrants so far with the list to have been capped at 1500.
O’Sullivan – regarded as Ireland’s greatest ever athlete – was recently inducted into the Athletics Ireland Hall of Fame. A gold medalist at the 1995 World Championships, her 2000m world record of 5.25.36 stood until 2017.
O’Sullivan won 16 medals at World and European levels.
The much sought after Ballyliffin medallion will celebrate the 20th anniversary of O’Sullivan’s silver medal in Sydney at the 2000 Olympic Games.
Participants who take up the chance to ‘Run With Sonia’ will pick up one of the coveted medallions.
The Race Director is former Irish Athletics Team Manager Patsy McGonagle, who worked with O’Sullivan on that magical Monday in Sydney 20 years ago when she won the 5000m silver.
The Ballyliffin International Coastal Challenge is one of the most scenic races in Ireland.
The final two miles are run across Pollan Beach, with Malin Head and the Five Finger Strand a stunning backdrop as participants follow the route through the Isle of Doagh.
