Athletics Northern Ireland has launched the 33rd Antrim IAAF International Cross Country Races, the third meeting in this winter’s McCain UK Cross Challenge series, which for the second year will be held in the picturesque venue of CAFRE, Greenmount Campus in Antrim and takes place on the more favourable date of 23rd January 2009.

The event is one of the largest and most popular events in the Northern Ireland athletics sporting calendar with more than 1,000 competitors taking part in 12 races throughout the day for age groups Senior, Veteran, Under 20, Under 17, Under 15 and Under 13.

The event is one of eleven IAAF permitted cross country races in the world and is part of the UK Cross Challenge Series. The well-established series is the focus of the domestic endurance running scene over the winter months and this year it has been given a huge boost by the support of McCain again. For the 2010 event all of the races will have chipped timing

The five race series began at Gateshead on Saturday 14 November. Further races will follow at Liverpool on 28 November, Cardiff on 17 January, Antrim on 23 January and Birmingham (TBC) on 13 March.

The Antrim event is organised by Athletics Northern Ireland and sponsored by Antrim Borough Council.
Nick Vermont, Regional CEO of McCain Foods (GB) Ltd, Title Sponsor of the event says,
“We are looking forward to an exciting McCain UK Cross Challenge series. We hope that our support for the series of UK challenges will inspire and encourage young people to take up athletics across the country“.

Over the decades, some of the best international cross-country competitors from as far afield as the USA, Uganda and Kenya have made the trip to challenge each other at this acclaimed NI fixture and high profile athletes have competed here such as Paula Radcliffe, Paul Tergat, Steve Cram, Steve Ovett, John Tracey, Khalid Skah, Sergey Lebid, Liz McColgan and Brendan Foster to name a few.

Helping launch the 2010 Antrim International Cross Country in Antrim was Annadale’s Eddie McGinley and Abbey Ac’s Gladys Ganiel along with the Mayor of Antrim.

Mayor of Antrim, Councillor Adrian Cochrane-Watson comments,
“Antrim Borough Council is proud to support Antrim IAAF International Cross Country and is delighted that Athletics Northern Ireland has chosen to hold this prestigious event in Antrim for the second year. CAFRE, Greenmount Campus, with its central location and ease of access, is an ideal venue for this world class competition.”

The Mayor continues, “Events such as this contribute significantly to the Borough, attracting visitors from across the UK, Ireland and beyond. We wish Athletics Northern Ireland, CAFRE and the runners every success for January 2010.”

Click Here for the dedicated Antrim XC Section

Online Entry is now available for U13’s right up to Masters and this also includes Team Entry. We are encouraging all clubs to use this simple system and help cut down on paper entries.

The Holiday Inn Express in Antrim has teamed up with Athletics NI as official hotel partner for this event. This three star hotel is ideally located within 2 minutes drive of he M2 motorway, with 90 stylish ensuite bedrooms. It is the perfect choice for athletes and parents as it is just 5 minutes away from all of the local athletic facilities as well as the International airport. Special rates apply for those booking under the event or Athletics NI: Click Here For Details of the Special Rates

Visit www.niathletics.org to enter now!

Photos:Helping launch the 2010 Antrim International Cross Country in Antrim was Annadale’s Eddie McGinley and Abbey AC’s Gladys Ganiel along with the Mayor of Antrim Adrian Watson.