LEE MERRIEN flew out of the island yesterday ahead of the most important race of his career – the World Championships marathon in Daegu a week on Sunday.

One more good marathon and, with good fortune, the island record-holder will be on the start line in next year’s Olympics.

The 32-year-old (pictured) is hell-bent on booking his spot in the South Korean capital next week.

‘I can’t wait to get going in Daegu. I am going out there looking to qualify for the Olympics by finishing in the top 20, which is the main goal,’ he said ahead of the long trip to an Aviva-funded training camp in Ulsan, 90 minutes drive from Daegu, tonight.’

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