|
Hendrick Ramaala hasn't ruled out defending his BUPA Great South Run title which he brilliantly won last year.
The in-form South African produced an excellent performance last Sunday to finish third in the Flora London Marathon.
Ramaala 33, isn't exactly certain what his racing programme will be for the rest of the year, but the world's second biggest ten miler might certainly
figure in his plans.
"I would really like to return to what is an excellent race," said Ramaala, who defied the Solent winds to brilliantly outsprint Kenya's Francis Bowen
last October.
The 10-mile race in Portsmouth proved to be ideal preparation for Ramaala who a month later achieved every distance runner's dream when winning the
New York City Marathon.
Now organisers admit they are eager to see Ramaala who set a personal best of two hours eight minutes and 32seconds last weekend in London, to return
to the south coast venue on October 9 for the defence of his crown.
"The problem this year is that the World Championships fall at the end of August and Ramaala might decide to chase that title or opt out and attempt
to retain his New York crown," said Matthew Turnbull, the event's athletics director.
Turnbull added: "But he's unsure what his plans are. Certainly if he does run in Helsinki, I personally feel he would be fully recovered to come again
to Portsmouth.
"I'm confident it is very much a possibility. We've an excellent relationship with him as he also has won the Great North Run twice and was
second last year.
Sonia O'Sullivan, who set a world record over the fast Portsmouth course three years ago and defended her title 12 months later, is another
probability to line-up.
Turnbull said: "Sonia also ran her fastest-ever marathon in London but like Ramaala is also unsure of her plans.
"But again she has a good rapport with us, loves the Portsmouth course and I'm hoping once she figures her plans out, might return."
The BUPA Great South Run - now a two days festival - continues to grow in stature and no one doubts the trend will continue.
Last year's meeting categorised by quality, was the world's fourth best 10 miles event, according to the rankings devised by the Association of Road
Running Statisticians.
The women's race was accorded an even greater accolade, topping the prestigious rankings ahead of Washington's Cherry Blossom 10 miler.
"To come ahead of not only that event but other top American races was a mighty achievement and one I'm sure will keep us pro-active making the BUPA
Great South Run even better," said Turnbull.
Source the Great South Run
|
