THE OLYMPIC FLAME is still burning inside Maria McCambridge – who hopes to make the marathon qualifying time for Rio in a fortnight’s time.
The 40-year-old will participate in the Lattelecom Riga Marathon 2016 in Latvia on May 15th next, the last possible event at which she can make the qualifying time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
McCambridge, who ran for Letterkenny AC while she lived in Letterkenny, is back now under the Dundrum South Dublin banner, but she was back in Letterkenny today for the North-West 10k.
Picture caption: Maria McCambridge in action during today’s North-West 10k. Picture by Stephen Doherty
The Dubliner, married to Letterkenny man and former four-time national marathon champion Gary Crossan, ran the 5,000 metres at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, but was overlooked for selection for tha marathon four years ago in London.
Now, though, Rio is in her sights.
“I’m going to Riga in two weeks’ time and going ofr the marathon qualifying time,” she told Donegal Sport Hub.
“I’ve a couple more heavy days of training and then I’ll freshen up in the next few days.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries in the last couple of months so it’s been a long road to this point. I’m just delighted to be moving in the right direction again.
“I want to put myself in the picture. I feel I can do a good marathon and I’m motivated. It’s hard to stay healthy but I’ll give it my best shot in two weeks’ time.”
Athletics Ireland was only allowed three participants for London and McCambridge missed out with Linda Byrne, Ava Hutchinson and Caitriona Jennings getting the nod.
The Irish Athletics Team Manager, Patsy McGonagle, says McCambridge can catapult herself into the reckoning this year again.
He said: “In Riga, there are three girls going who will be in and around 2:35 if they can figure out a plan to run together.
“She just has to keep the head. There is an opportunity there for her.
“She’s in good form and very bubbly and upbeat about the whole thing.”
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