London 2017: Paul Pollock selected to run World Championship marathon

Paul Pollock and Mick Clohisey in the early stages of last years Olympic Games marathon in Rio

Holywood runner Paul Pollock has been named in Ireland's marathon selection for the World Championships in London.

Pollock, 30, booked his spot by running a personal best of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 30 seconds in Japan in February.

Raheny's Mick Clohisey, who like Pollock ran the Olympic marathon Rio, is also selected along with Clare man Sean Hehir.

Clohisey ran 2:15.11 in Seville 14 months ago while Hehir clocked 2:16.18 in London on Sunday.

The trio are the only Irish male athletes who achieved Athletics Ireland's London standard of 2:17.00 during the 16-month qualification period.

Pollock was the top Irish finisher in Rio as he clocked 2:16.25 to finish 32nd.

The Northern Irishman also performed creditably at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow when his time of 2:16.42 left him in 21st position.

Athletics Ireland have selected Fionnuala McCormack and Leevale's Claire McCarthy for the women's event in London.

The duo were the only Irish females to run Athletics Ireland's World Championship standard of 2:38.00.

McCormack also has the option of running the 10,000m in the British capital.

2013 world champion Robert Heffernan has been selected in the 50km walk along with Letterkenny man Brendan Boyce and Leevale's Alex Wright.