A draft high performance strategy for mountain running has been released by the Irish Mountain Running Association A web discussion page has been opened for comments Central to the strategy is the objective to increase the number of AAI athletes competing in mountain running. Proposals have been included to have mountain runners eligible for AAI high performance grants and training opportunities. With the 2008 European championships and World Trophy on relatively flat courses (5% gradient, see strategy appendix), it looks like 2008 is the ideal opportunity for top cross-country runners to switch from the roads at home to running for Ireland in the hills.