The IAAF Cross Country Permit meeting incorporates the third British Athletics Cross Challenge fixture
After winning at the Great Edinburgh XCountry last weekend, Kate Avery renews her rivalry with Ireland’s two-time European champion Fionnuala McCormack, who was four seconds behind her, at the Antrim International Cross Country on Saturday (January 16).
The IAAF Cross Country Permit meeting incorporates the third fixture in the British Athletics Cross Challenge series, helping to boost the international appeal while attracting some of the top domestic runners.
Avery has been second in the Euro Cross the last two winters and has established herself as the top British cross-country runner at the moment. McCormack, who under her maiden name Britton won the Euro Cross titles in 2011 and 2012, is returning to her best form.
Defending champion Birtukan Fente Alemu of Ethiopia and Bahrain’s Mimi Belete are also set to compete, while Belgium’s new European under-23 champion Louise Carton leads the European challenge.
Sarah Inglis, Louise Damen and Emma Clayton are some of the Brits leading the hunt for Cross Challenge points.
In the men’s race, Andrew Butchart and Jonathan Hay are among the favourites on the domestic front – as are Luke Caldwell and Adam Hickey.
Defending champion Thomas Ayeko of Uganda returns and is set to race against Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa, who has won the last two editions of the Euro Cross junior race, and Bahrain’s Aweke Ayelew.
TIMETABLE
11.30am U13 girls
11.45 U13 boys
12pm U15 girls
12.25 U15 boys
1.00 U17/20 women
1.25 Primary schools
1.40 U17/20 men
2.10 Primary schools
2.25 Senior women
2.50 Senior men
Times are subject to change
» See the latest edition of AW magazine for current British Athletics Cross Challenge standings
