He also ran twice for Northern Ireland at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

His best achievement was a silver medal in the 5000 metres behind Saïd Aouita at the 1989 IAAF World Cup.

[1] Born in Leeds, Doherty competed for England initially before taking up eligibility to represent Northern Ireland and later Ireland through his parents.

[2] He won the 1980 AAA Junior title over 3000 metres before taking his first senior national title a year later at the Northern Irish Cross Country Championships.

He also had runner-up finishes at the Azalea Trail Run (twice), Fukuoka International Cross Country (twice), the Bay to Breakers and the Manchester Road Race.