ATHLETICS Belfast International Cross Country: Two unfamiliar faces stole the show at Saturday's Belfast International Cross Country. Jolene Byrne took perhaps the most significant step yet in her career by finishing fifth in the women's race, without doubt her best run for Ireland since she switched allegiance from her native United States.
But then America produced the winner of the men's race through the little-known Dathan Ritzenheim, who produced one of those rare cross country victories over some of Africa's elite.
The 27-year-old Byrne also displayed a rare lack of intimidation by a pack of Ethiopian women, and simply ran her own, controlled race around the twisting, muddy circuit at the historic grounds of Stormont Estate.
She took on the four Ethiopian-born runners from the gun and was still in front midway through the third and final lap, before finally giving way to their finishing surges.
It took a few minutes after the finish to separate the top four, with victory going to Etalemahu Kidane by inches in 20 minutes 26 seconds, just ahead of Merima Denboba, the Ethiopian now running for Italy, and Meselech Melkamu.
At first the judges awarded Denboba second place in 20:27 but later declared a dead heat with Melkamu. Workitu Ayanu was another seven seconds behind, with Byrne coming home in 20:44.
"I had no idea how I was going to do as this was my first race for a few weeks, and with Christmas and everything I was not sure of my form," said Byrne, clearly satisfied with her performance.
"I'm still learning, but I know I will benefit from this type of experience and competing against the likes of these runners."
It was a truly encouraging run from Byrne, who was born in Indiana but who has lived in Ireland since she married Carl Byrne of Donore Harriers three years ago. Her courageous, front-running tactics saw her lead the field right through the first two laps, and then regain control going into the third lap when she once again latched onto the Ethiopians.
"They were that bit too strong for me when it came down to it," she added.
"But it's always nice to be out in front, especially at this level against athletes who have such reputations as they have. This is such a move on for me."
With Irish women's distance running now devoid of the retired Catherina McKiernan and Ann Keenan Buckley, Byrne's talent is particularly welcome. And she is intent on improving over the coming seasons.
"I would like to be ready to run well for Ireland in the World cross country in March, and then move on and then work on all my times on the track, where I think there is a lot of improvement to come."
Next best of the Irish women was Mary Margaret Meade in ninth, while Fionnuala Britton ran well to finish 12th.
Ritzenheim later became the first American winner of the men's event, albeit against all the odds.
Yet the 22-year-old Michigan runner showed no respect for the strong Kenyan presence, front-running the whole way and winning by eight seconds in 29:24.
"There was a time when I would be intimidated by the Kenyans, but not anymore," said Ritzenheim, winner of the bronze medal in the junior event at the World cross country four years ago.
This time the Kenyans, led home by Ernest Meli, were simply unable to match him.
"The Kenyans have great motivation to be great runners and it becomes a way of life for them to make a living out of the sport, while guys like me could go out and get a job.
"But there is something inside of me which is driving me to be a great runner."
Donegal's Gary Murray ran well to finish ninth in such company, while Mark Christie, the emerging junior from Mullingar, at least came away with a good idea of what it takes to run at this level, finishing in 16th place.
