BBC SPORT | Athletics | O'Sullivan mulling over marathon

Speculation that Sonia O'Sullivan will run an autumn marathon increased on Wednesday when the Irish star announced her racing programme for the next six weeks.

The European Championship 5,000 and 10,000 metres runner-up will take part in the Great Ireland run in Loughrea on 13 October.

O'Sullivan won the race in its inaugural running in 1999.

Her partner, Nic Bideau, said a possibility existed that O'Sullivan might step up to the marathon distance.

Many pundits predict O'Sullivan will be equally successful as British rival Paul Radcliffe, winner on her debut in London last April.

I want to get back up there again and start winning

Sonia O'Sullivan

"There is a chance she might do one in the autumn," said Bidea.

"Sonia is considering her options and is currently training for longer distances.

"Much will depend on what her future races tell her".

Although it is still the track season, O'Sullivan has several road races already written into her competition schedule.

On Sunday she takes part in the women's-only Flora Lite Challenge five-miler in London's Hyde Park.

The following weekend O'Sullivan heads a top field over 10 miles in the BUPA Great South Run.

O'Sullivan may follow Paula Radcliffe in competing in a marathon in the autumn
O'Sullivan: Beaten by Radcliffe in Munich

Then on 22 September she will compete in the Nike London 10K run, being staged in Richmond Park.

But her assessment of undertaking a autumn marathon is almost certain to come after the BUPA Great North Run on 6 October.

A former winner of the race, O'Sullivan faces a world-class field on Tyneside, headed by world half marathon champion Berhane Adere of Ethiopia.

The world's fastest ever half marathoner, Kenya's Susan Chepkemei and the double Olympic 10,000m gold medallist Derartu Tulu from Ethiopia will also be in the field.

Despite showing a more positive leaning to road running, O'Sullivan insists she will undertake a full track season in 2003 when the world championships are again in the schedule.

"Overall, yes, I've been happy this year.

"They've not been the worst and not the best.

"I suppose they've been right in the middle.

"But next season I want to get back up there again and start winning competitions against the best in the world."


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