Mary Cullen, Jonny Mellor and Jonathan Brownlee among entries for event on February 19

Mary Cullen and Jonny Mellor are among the entries for the Brooks Armagh International Road Race on February 19, while Olympic triathlon bronze medallist Jonathan Brownlee has been added to a top field.

The iconic evening event, which has been going for 25 years, saw victories last year from Nick McCormick in the men s 5km and Laura Whittle in the women s 3km. There was also a team of club runners representing AW.

Last year, the 5km also saw 45 runners under 15 minutes, with the last finisher only 90 seconds behind the winner.

This year Cullen, an 8:43.74 3000m runner, returns to lead the Irish team, which will also include Donegal s Ann Marie McGlynn. They are likely to face Katrina Wootton, Gemma Hillier and Ellie Stevens.

The men s field features Joe Stilin, a 13:33.13 5000m man from the United States, plus Krystian Zalewski, the European 3000m steeplechase silver medallist from Poland, and Britons Mellor, Luke Cragg, Jake Wightman and John Beattie.

Cathy Rafferty, Lord Mayor of Armagh City & District Council, said: “After a quarter of a century, Armagh s International Road Race continues to grow in size and stature and we look forward to welcoming so many of the world s greatest athletes to our city to compete and to celebrate this iconic competition s anniversary.”

Race director Brian Vallely added: “It is encouraging for everyone across Armagh that we have so many taking part this year and I hope that the thrill and excitement of the race can inspire many to take up the sport and one day compete in this thrilling event.

“On behalf of everyone across Armagh, I m grateful for the solid support and encouragement from our main sponsor, Brooks, which has so generously provided its full backing and encouragement to this major annual event.

“In addition to sports retailer Intersport, I would also thank our local business community for their proactivity in getting involved and supporting us to make sure that this year s race will be one of the biggest and best of its kind in the world.”

For more information, see www.armaghroadrace.com

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