Jo Pavey: History-making runner to attend Isle of Man sports awards

Pavey ran the perfect race to win the European title just 10 days after her Commonwealth Games bronze

British distance runner Jo Pavey will be the guest of honour at this year's Isle of Man sports awards.

The 41-year-old from Devon became the oldest gold medallist in European Championships history when she won the 10,000m in Zurich last year.

Pavey, who has competed at four Olympics and four World Championships, earlier won a 5,000m bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Villa Marina in Douglas on 26 March.

She said: "I'm thrilled to be attending. I am really looking forward to meeting the island's sportsmen and women and celebrating their success."

Pavey's achievements on the track were recognised when she was named British Athletics athlete of the year and voted third behind behind Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and golfer Rory McIlroy at last month's BBC Sports Personality of the year awards.

Isle of Man Sport executive chairman Gary Corkhill said her successes had made a "big impression".

He added: "I am sure that she will make a very engaging and inspirational guest."

About 50 individuals and teams will be nominated for awards, culminating in the naming of the sportsman and sportswoman of the year.

Cyclist Mark Cavendish and teenage eventer Yasmin Ingham were crowned the Isle of Man's sports personalities of the year at last year's ceremony.