Stormont will be the venue this weekend again to host another big sporting event. Following the launch of the FIA World Rally Championships 2007 last night, athletic officials and volunteers today are preparing the grounds and marking the course for the British & Irish Masters Cross Country International on Saturday 17th starting at 11am. It is NI’s turn to host the premier masters’ international match of the year and England will be out to retain its top position in the series that has run since 1988. 
Last year in Falkirk, England regained their dominance with six men’s and six women’s team titles as Ireland- led by Niamh O’Sullivan, who will be seeking a hat trick of overall victories- captured the W40 and M60 crowns. O’Sullivan has now moved up to the W45 class where she will excpect to dominate. 
Pictures from Falkirk last year Northern Ireland will be hoping that they provide individual winners and Steve Cairns will be seeking M40 gold after a recent big victory over local rival Willowfield’s Alan McCullough. Another athlete to watch will be North Belfast’s Dave Morwood. The hosts Karen Marshall won eight successive age group itles, beginning with the W45 in St. Asaph in 1998 before missing the 2006 event through injury, but returns on home ground this year, her last in the age group. There will also be an open race for travelling reserves and two young athletes’ races to supplement the programme. The event is supported by Belfast City Council and Translink. The competitors will attend a gala dinner in the Europa Hotel on Saturday night. TIMETABLE: 11.00 am Open Race (Ladies & M65 & 70 6k) (Men all other 8k) 12 noon Ladies & M65 & M70 International 6k 12.45 pm Under 11 Boys & Girls 600m 1.00 pm M50 – 64 International 8k 1.45 pm Under 13 Boys & Girls 1,500 m 2.00 pm Men 35 – 49 International 8k
Last year in Falkirk, England regained their dominance with six men’s and six women’s team titles as Ireland- led by Niamh O’Sullivan, who will be seeking a hat trick of overall victories- captured the W40 and M60 crowns. O’Sullivan has now moved up to the W45 class where she will excpect to dominate. Pictures from Falkirk last year Northern Ireland will be hoping that they provide individual winners and Steve Cairns will be seeking M40 gold after a recent big victory over local rival Willowfield’s Alan McCullough. Another athlete to watch will be North Belfast’s Dave Morwood. The hosts Karen Marshall won eight successive age group itles, beginning with the W45 in St. Asaph in 1998 before missing the 2006 event through injury, but returns on home ground this year, her last in the age group. There will also be an open race for travelling reserves and two young athletes’ races to supplement the programme. The event is supported by Belfast City Council and Translink. The competitors will attend a gala dinner in the Europa Hotel on Saturday night. TIMETABLE: 11.00 am Open Race (Ladies & M65 & 70 6k) (Men all other 8k) 12 noon Ladies & M65 & M70 International 6k 12.45 pm Under 11 Boys & Girls 600m 1.00 pm M50 – 64 International 8k 1.45 pm Under 13 Boys & Girls 1,500 m 2.00 pm Men 35 – 49 International 8k 
