After securing the position of head coach at Villanova, many people would have been forgiven for thinking that Marcus O’Sullivan’s days of competing were over. News from the US is that the Leevale man was back in action on New Year’s Eve in a 5k road race in Central Park, run at midnight. It was, he said, a race he always wanted to take part in, but, because of his commitments to the indoor circuit it was not possible. With thousands taking part the battle for individual honours boiled down to O’Sullivan and American Ray Pudsley. Pudsley led in the early stages but was joined by O’Sullivan by the two mile mark. O’Sullivan made several efforts to break away from his rival, but eventually decided to sit in behind and use his mile speed in the closing stages. His plan worked a treat, breaking away from Pudsley to win in a time of 14:47, three seconds clear, and proving that his speed has not deserted him. And his wife Mary also ran in the race, making it a family affair.