Irish athletes are given the rare opportunity to compete against some of the world's best on home soil in the Cross-Border 10-mile Challenge which takes place between Carlingford and Newry tomorrow. The event is a combined effort by the athletic organisations North and South and promoted by Co-operation North to improve cross-border relations.

In its second year, the Glen Dimplex-sponsored event has attracted over 1,000 entries of all standards this year, with most of our top distance runners taking up the opportunity for a quality race on the roads. Last year Seamas Power was fourth behind three highly-rated Kenyans and is back hoping to improve, along with National cross-country champion Peter Matthews, former champion David Burke and Mullingar team-mates Cormac Finnerty and Tom McGrath.

The international opposition is likely to be provided by William Mutwol and Wilson Omwoyo of Kenya, both with prolific records on the road, along with European cross-country champion Carsten Jorgensen of Denmark and South African half-marathon champion Henrik Ramaala. Top British runners Paul Evans and Juhn Nuttall will also provide a strong challenge.

Last year's runner-up in the women's race, Irina Kazakova of France, is hoping to go one better this time but will have to handle Spain's most consistent marathon runner, Monica Pont. Irish cross-country champion Maureen Harrington leads the home charges and should finish strongly.

Meanwhile, John Lenihan leads the Irish team into the World Hill Running Trophy at Ile de Reunion in the Indian Ocean this weekend. Lenihan was once again crowned Irish champion last month and seven years ago took the individual gold at the world championships in Switzerland.

Jonathon Lamont has replaced Francis Cosgrave in the men's team and joins Gerry McGrath, Colm Rothery, Aonghus O Cleirigh and Kevin Thompson in the 16 kilometre race that climbs 1,300 metres. The women's and junior races take place today, with the men's race tomorrow. Former Irish orienteering champion Una Creagh makes her debut in the championships but should figure strongly over the five-mile distance.

Canada's Michael Smith failed in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday in his bid to equal Daley Thompson's feat three straight Commonwealth Games gold medals in the decathlon. Smith finished the 10 events with 8,143 points, behind two younger Australians, Jagan Hames who won with 8,490 points and Scott Ferrier who took the silver with 8,307 points. Smith's point total was far below his personal best of 8,635 and off the 8,326 he had when he won in Victoria four years ago. He also won in Auckland in 1990.