Martin Fagan received a boost ahead of next month’s SPAR European Cross Country Championships as he was named the Crowne Plaza Athlete of the Month for October. The Mullingar Harriers athlete put in a stunning performance as he won the Boston half marathon during the month.

Fagan finished three seconds ahead of Kenyan Philemon Terer in a sprint finish with 100m left as he emphasised his medal credentials for the European Cross Country Championships in December.

This was Fagan’s second Athlete of the Month award for 2009. He took the award for January as he put in am impressive display winning the Austin Half Marathon where he missed breaking John Treacy’s long standing course record by just five seconds.

Despite some good form this year Fagan has been dogged by injury and in particular a troublesome Achilles problem but his performance in Boston has now lay to rest any injury fears ahead of the European event in Santry Park.

Liam Hennessy, Event Director for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships said; “This award for Martin is a great acknowledgment of his achievement in Boston and how he has gotten himself back on track after what has been an up and down year for him. He has shown he has genuine world class athlete and now that he is over his injury problems we are all hoping he can lead the Irish team to a medal position in Santry next month.”

The SPAR European Cross Country Championships will take place in Ireland for the first time on the 13th December in Santry Demesne, Dublin. For more information and regular updates on the event and to sign up to the mailing list for the SPAR European Cross Country Championships then log on to www.Dublin2009.ie. Athletics Ireland is supported nationally in running this event by the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, RTÉ, Failte Ireland and Clonliffe Harriers.

Don’t forget to avail of the special rate available for all members of Athletics Ireland. There is a half price adult rate available of €10 (full price is €20) and all Juvenile members go FREE! Please note the adult special offer ends Monday the 7th of December If you would like to avail of this adult special price please log onto: Ticketmaster

Crowne Plaza Athlete of the Month

January - Martin Fagan

February – Mary Cullen

March – Derval O’Rourke and Mary Cullen

April – David McCarthy

May – Ciara Mageean

June – Paul Hession

July – David Gillick

August – Olive Loughnane

September – Off Season

October – Martin Fagan