Great atmosphere expected at Armagh Road Races tonight

The PUMA International Armagh Road Races will take place tonight. This race, run around the Mall in the city centre, is famous for the vibrant atmosphere and depth of runners from the elite to those running for fun. The streets will be lined with spectators and lit with the Christmas lights that have been brought back out for tonight's events.

Once again the organisers have assembled a top class field in the Men's 5k feature event. Christian Hesch (USA) won this in 2005, 2007 and 2008 and is back after a three year absence. However, he won't have it all his own way if Jonny Mellor, from Liverpool, has any say in the matter. Jonny has a 5k personal best time of 13:36. There is also strong opposition from several Leeds-based runners. James Wilkinson, only 21 years of age, is improving all the time and James Walsh has been on an upward trend for the last year and has Olympic ambitions. Others to watch out for are Luke Cragg, who has been training in America for the last few years, has a best time over this distance of 13:41 and the fast improving Andrew Wiles from the North East.

The women will race three laps of the Mall, covering 3k. Lizzie Adams and Ellie Stevens are the British favourites who are expected to battle hard against Sarah Porter from the USA as well as Agrieszka  Ciolet and Edyta Lewandowska from Poland.