Travers launches GloHealth Inter Clubs Cross Country

Travers launches GloHealth Inter Club Cross Country Championships

John Travers will be targeting his first senior GloHealth National Inter Clubs Cross Country Championships and seal selection for the European Cross Country Championships in Santry Demesne on November 22nd.

The GloHealth National Cross Country Championships have moved from their customary March date to November to boost the premier club event in cross country. The event also incorporates the Juvenile Even Age Cross Country championships along with being a trial for the European Cross Country Championships in Hyeres, France on December 13th. 

For Donore Harriers’ John Travers it will be all about winning his first national senior cross country title as he prepares for a big year with the Olympic Games on the horizon.

“The main plan is to win the nationals and go to Europeans,” said Travers who made the European Indoor 1500m final, finishing 7th, in Prague in March.

Travers is confident of his chances in Santry having put in a three week altitude training stint in Romania with Sergiu Ciobanu (Clonliffe Harriers) who will be one of his main rivals on the day in Santry.

“I’m definitely feeling confident at the minute. I was away in altitude for three weeks so possibly in the shape of my life. Since September I’ve been putting in 100 miles a week. Rio is the main goal. Whether that’s the 1500m or 5,000m we’ll have to wait and see.”

The Inter Clubs has been a cornerstone of athletics in this country and team glory will be up for grabs with hosts Clonliffe Harriers looking to retain their senior men’s title. Increasing participation will also be a key aspect of the event with cross country the most natural form of running. 

Hundreds of children will be taking part in the Juvenile Even Age Cross Country Championships on the day as they enjoy the experience of national competition. 

GloHealth CEO Jim Dowdall is looking forward to the championships and season ahead. “GloHealth is a proud partner of Athletics Ireland and we are delighted to again sponsor the upcoming GloHealth Cross Country Championships. This will be a wonderful opportunity to see Ireland’s juvenile and senior athletes in action and I encourage everyone to come along to experience what will be a great sporting season.”

Athletics Ireland CEO John Foley said "We're excited to get the Cross Country season underway alongside our supportive sponsors GloHealth and look forward to the season ahead."