Strong Fields Assembled for National Cross Country Champs on Saturday

17 February 2005

The Whirlpool National Inter Clubs Cross Country Championships in Santry this weekend take on an added importance as they double as the trials for the forthcoming IAAF World Cross Country in St Etienne, France on 19th - 20th March.

The first 3 in the senior men's and women's events will gain automatic selection as well as the winner of the junior men and women's events. The men's race looks to be an exciting battle between Gary Murray and Mark Kenneally with both bidding for their first victory in the event. In the women's race, Maria McCambridge and Jolene Byrne will renew acquaintances after their neck and neck battle at the Inter counties in Dungarvan in November where at the end they were only separated by 5 seconds. Carlow's Danny Darcy and Newbridge's Rose Ann Galligan will start the junior races as favourites.

Meanwhile a large group of Irish junior athletes will compete in the AAA Junior Indoor Championships in Birmingham also this weekend. The team will be led by the exciting Colin Costello who will attempt an unprecedented third 1500m title in a row, a feat never before achieved in the history of the Championships. He will also attempt to double up by running the 3000m on Sunday.

Interestingly, Costello's recent Irish Junior Indoor 1500m record of 3:46.17 is faster than the British equivalent.