Such was the extent of his supremacy in Falkirk, Adam Craig crossed the line arms aloft nearly a minute clear of the competition.

Not restricting himself to glory on the country, the Lauder-born star has enjoyed a superb start to the year on the roads and the track, boasting impressive versatility.

Along with a 7:57.66 runner up spot at the recent indoor Scottish 3000m Championships, Craig preceded his National cross win with the equal fastest 5k by a Brit in five years.

Running in the dark blue colours of his national vest for the second time in a matter of weeks, Craig shot around the Armagh International Road Race to post a 13:45 debut for the 5k road distance, finishing just two seconds behind the victor, Finland’s Topi Raitanen.

Asked how he feels about his redoubtable impact on the British racing scene since returning from university in America – and in particular his Scottish National win – he is modest to a tee.

“I am obviously happy with my run at Falkirk but I certainly didn’t expect to win,” he reveals. “It was a pleasant surprise to win and by such a margin. Along with my run in Armagh, I feel I’ve made up for the disappointment at the British Indoors.”

Photo: Keith McClure

Learning from bad race experiences

That ‘disappointment’ he refers to relates to his below par result at the British Championships 3000m in Birmingham, where a gutsy display of front running following a slow first couple of laps did not have the desired effect.

While he may have eventually crossed the line 12th in a time that in no way reflected his undoubted fiery form, the way he attacked the race when it was in danger of becoming a very slow, tactical affair was admirable.

“I knew I was fit and in low 7:50 shape, particularly following on from my run at the Scottish Indoors,” he explains. “I just felt I needed to execute that time, so when we jogged through the first two laps in 67 seconds I went for it.

“By the time we got to the last four laps I’d burned out, but lessons were most definitely learned, and I loved the whole experience. It was my first time at the Birmingham indoor stadium, and to get the chance to chat with people like Chris O’Hare in the warm up zone was fantastic.”

By now it’s becoming clear that Craig is most definitely a glass half full kind of athlete, focussing only on the positives and learning from the negatives.

Bouncing back with a positive attitude

That upbeat attitude and gleaning as much as he could from his first British Indoors outing meant he bounced back in glorious style in Armagh.

“It was a blessing in disguise to race so soon after Birmingham,” he says with a smile. “There were lots of other athletes in Armagh who were also unhappy with their runs at the indoors, so we agreed to help each other to run as fast as we could in the 5k.”

That gentleman’s agreement paid dividends for Craig, Sam Stabler, Andrew Heyes and Phil Sesemann in particular, all of whom buried their own Birmingham disappointments with PBs and top six positions in Northern Ireland.

Photo: Keith McClure

Earning his second Scottish vest in the space of a few weeks – adding to his fine display in his national colours in the Great Stirling Cross Country International 1.5k relays in January – represented the appreciative recognition from Scotland’s selectors of his incredible form since returning from the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina last summer.

Aside from an ultimately ill-advised decision to take up his first invitation to race the British Championships in Birmingham last June – Craig finished a weary 23rd in the 5000m after a hectic cross country and track season in America – he has been an exciting athlete to watch on all surfaces.

Six months of glorious racing since returning from America

Following a well-earned summer break he bounced back to win the Great Scottish 10k last September in 29:43, and, just two weeks later, finished a fine sixth at the Cardiff Cross Challenge.

Switching back to the roads, the former Edinburgh AC athlete took victory at the Jedburgh 10k, before earning his most high profile podium topping result on British shores yet – the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k title in a PB 29:08.

Proving his formidable ability to race just as well on both surfaces, he enjoyed the first of two fierce battles with Perth Strathtay’s Sol Sweeney at the Scottish National Short Course Cross Country Championships to come a close second, before another creditable British Cross Challenge performance at the European trials in Liverpool, finishing 13th in a stacked field.

The American Collegiate athletics experience

“I definitely believe the amount of racing I did in America has prepared me very well for competing regularly at a high level in the UK,” he reveals. “I spent the first year over there adapting to my new programme, but by the second and third year I was getting some good results. 

“Not just that, I enjoyed some incredible experiences at some of the meets, such as mixing with athletes like Paul Chelimo in the warm up zone at the Camel City Invitational 3000m!

“Races like that, where you get special treatment before and after the race, helped me prepare for the championships experience that I hope to enjoy more of in the future.”

The fact that Craig gets as much out of the positive race experiences as the negative bodes well for the future, as what athlete can say he or she always races well, regardless of their level?

Racing on tired legs

Reflecting on last summer’s British Championships he accepts that pure excitement overrode any underlying fears that he wasn’t in the right place fitness and energy-wise for the 5000m European Trials event.

“It was a silly decision to race there, I’d only had seven days off in America between the cross country season and the indoors, and had been racing non-stop from January to May,” he reveals. 

“However, lessons have been learned. I also loved the whole experience again, racing against the likes of Marc Scott and Andy Vernon, I look forward to doing it better next time!”

The nine time All-American graduated with a degree in Exercise Science last summer, and, on his return to the UK, decided to settle in Glasgow.

Inverclyde AC

Joining Inverclyde AC from his old club, Edinburgh, was a straightforward decision for the talented young Scot.

“I wanted to be with a local club in Glasgow, and, because I was already training with some of the Inverclyde lads, it made sense to join up,” he explains.

“We link up whenever we can for long runs and I try to fit my schedule in with some of the endurance group’s longer sessions when possible. It’s also great to be part of a club that puts out strong teams at relay events.”

It’s no understatement to say that Inverclyde AC have been making a name for themselves in recent years, and their award for the Scottish Athletics ‘Impact Club of the Year’ was just reward for the hard work the coaches and athletes have been putting in for more than a decade.

Craig’s storming run at last October’s Scottish Short Course Cross Country Championships helped the club win the team prize for the first time in four years.

Riding high on success boosted by three years of a busy competition schedule in America

It’s clear that the combination of his successful time in America – which included winning the Colonial Relays 10,000m in 29:39.72, the Mt. SAC Relays 5000m in 13:58.52 and a 10th place at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships – and the way he’s hit the ground running on all surfaces since settling back in the UK are signs of much greater things to come from this exciting young talent.

Craig’s next race will be the UK Inter-Counties on March 9th, which double up as the World Cross Country trials.

As balanced as ever in the face of another big challenge, the Loughborough-bound Scot insists he is just looking forward to the experience.

“It will be my first time racing the best of the British elite on the country at this event,” he reveals. “I’ve finished my indoor season early so my training is more cross-country based now before concentrating on preparing for the outdoors. I will do my best at Prestwold Park, and enjoy competing against some top runners.”

Craig may not realise it yet, but he is now undoubtedly counted amongst the top runners he’s referring to. His modesty and refreshing attitude to every race he takes on is something that will surely stand him in good stead as he progresses up the UK, and global, ranks.

Keep an eye out for a follow up piece focussing on Craig’s training and coaching set up and his future racing plans!

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The post Adam Craig is reaping the benefits of his time in America appeared first on Fast Running.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all crowned new cross country champions on Saturday (February 23) as thousands of runner competed at national championships across the UK.

Steph Twell and Adam Craig delivered strong performances to win the senior titles at the Lindsays Scottish National Cross Country Championships in Falkirk.

Twell, running in the colours of Kilbarchan AAC, was competing at Callendar Park for the first time and her victory completed a special double as she added the Scottish senior crown to the English title she won in 2010.

Taking Scottish silver in the senior women’s 10km race was Cambuslang Harriers’ Moira Stewart, while former champion Morag Millar of Central AC completed the podium.

Like Twell, Adam Craig transferred the speed shown on the roads of Armagh to the country as he produced a commanding performance to win gold in the senior men’s race.

Inverclyde’s Craig led from the off and opened up a huge gap on the rest of the field as he stormed to victory.

Fife AC’s Kevin Wood was next across the line to claim the silver medal, while Edinburgh’s Michael Christoforou took bronze.

Central AC’s men duly delivered to set an unprecedented record after winning their ninth consecutive team gold, while Fife AC, who recently represented Great Britain at the European champion clubs cross country, won the senior women’s gold.

What a record breaking day at the Scottish National XC Championships today. Central Athletics made it 9 team Championships in a row in the senior men to go 1 clear in the history books, What an unbelievable feat, being on 10 next year. pic.twitter.com/81TPz7U6lK

— Andy Colley (@colley_andy) February 23, 2019

In the junior races, Edinburgh AC’s Freddie Carcas won under-20 men’s gold from Max Milarvie of Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds, with Hamish Hickey completing the podium.

After winning under-17 girls gold last year, Eloise Walker of Edinburgh AC made the step up to under-20 level in tremendous fashion to win the under-20 women’s championship race.

Giffnock North’s Erin Wallace took silver with Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds’ Naomi Lang winning the bronze medal.

It was a double celebration for Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds who won both junior team golds.

Griffiths and Nesbitt win senior Welsh gold

Dewi Griffiths claimed a seventh Welsh Cross Country title in perfect conditions at the 115th edition of the Welsh Cross Country Championships on Saturday, writes Alex Donald.

Winds earlier in the day settled ahead of the senior men’s contest which closed the programme at the new venue, Pembrey Country Park near Llanelli.

Griffiths’ victory here came just days after returning from altitude training with Welshman Steve Jones, who holds the record of nine titles that Griffiths now moves a step closer to.

The Swansea Harriers stalwart now feels that he has edged back to the kind of fitness which saw him establish himself amongst the very best British distance runners with a 2:09 marathon and a half marathon best of 61:33.

Photo: Welsh Athletics

Clubmate Hunt completed the podium as the two Cardiff AAC athletes led the club to its first senior men’s gold since 2013.

“This is one of the titles I appreciate the most,” said Griffiths afterwards. “The way last year turned out, I was disappointed to lose my streak but it’s nice to get it back and now it’s one step closer to Jonesy. He set the bar pretty high in these championships so hopefully one day I can emulate that.

“In the grand scheme of things it’s another test and I’ve come through it. This was another stepping stone towards London which is the big aim for the spring.

“Ieuan and James both ran well and I’m happy with that, it’s shows the kind of shape I’m in.”

International Steeplechaser Ieuan Thomas had commented that he hoped to stay within two minutes of race winner Griffiths and finished well inside that, 24 seconds adrift of the 2016 UK Inter-Counties Champion.

Thomas’ club-mate James Hunt was unable to keep his Welsh title finishing third this time followed by Abed Teweldebrhan of Newport Harriers and Guy Smith of Swansea Harriers who finished fourth and fifth respectively.

This meant that the visitors from the Welsh capital were convincing team winners and pleased to regain the title they last won at the Glanusk Estate in 2013.

Worcester AC’s Jenny Nesbitt was untroubled on her way to an emphatic victory in the senior women’s race covering 7,360m in 25:59.

Photo: Welsh Athletics

“I really enjoyed today,” said Nesbitt. “It means a lot to win a Welsh title on the Cross country. It was where my running started so I’m very pleased with that.

“It bodes well going into the Inter-Counties where I’ll be challenging a lot of tough runners with the aim of getting to the World Cross.”

Nesbitt will now chase selection for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, at the trial race in Loughborough in two weeks time hoping for a place in the GB team to race in Aarhus, Denmark.

Melanie Wilkins of Winchester & District AC improved a national bronze medal last year to take away the silverware this year.

Jade Williams was third, running for Aman Valley Harriers, using her track speed to hold off fourth placed Megan Carter Davies of Cardiff AAC. Lauren Cooper closed the first five places running for Parc Bryn Bach RC

Swansea Harriers retained their club title with relative ease ahead of Cardiff AAC and the Swansea B team.

Englishman Conor Smith followed up on his win 12 months ago by storming away from his rivals to take victory once again in the u20 men’s race. Larry Ryan took u17 honours last year but this time claimed the Welsh title at u20 level.

Steeplechaser Ben Thomas was third running for Carmarthen Harriers, the childhood club of senior men’s winner Dewi Griffths. Cardiff man Morgan James claimed the bronze medal here.

There was a dominant display from Ashleigh Williams winning the U17 title and the combined u17 / u20 women’s race outright.

Katrin Higginson became the u20 champion, running for Bridgend AC with Martha Owen of Deeside AAC second in the championships and Rhiannon Kamink of Colwyn Bay AC in third.

McKinstry and Connolly crowned NI and Ulster champions

Mark McKinstry and Breege Connolly showed their class as they claimed victories at Northern Ireland and Ulster Senior Cross Country titles at Lurgan Park on Saturday.

Photo: Keith McClure

North Belfast Harriers’ McKinstry has been the in-form Northern Irish cross country runner this season and took the win over 2018 champion Declan Reed of City of Derry.

McKinstry finished 37 seconds ahead of Reed in Lurgan to claim his first NI & Ulster gold medal after multiple silvers in recent years.

City of Derry’s Mark Long completed the men’s podium, with the club securing their third consecutive senior men’s team gold.

Newcastle’s Zak Hanna, who won the Irish Novice title at the end of 2018, was fourth across the finish line in the senior men’s 10km event.

North Belfast Harriers took team silver with North Down securing the bronze medal.

Irish Olympic marathoner Breege Connolly secured her second NI and Ulster cross country title after previously winning gold in 2012.

Photo: Keith McClure

The City of Derry athlete finished 53 seconds ahead of Beechmount Harriers Sarah Laverty, who won her first NI & Ulster cross country medal.

Rachel Gibson claimed the bronze in the women’s 5km race over North Down clubmate Sarah Grant. For Gibson, it was her the third straight year on the podium after two previous silver medals.

North Down’s strong women’s team won gold once again, with Beechmount Harriers taking silver and City of Derry awarded the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Emily Hosker-Thornhill and Mahamed Mahamed won the senior crowns at the English National Cross Country Championships. A full report can be found here.

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The post Steph Twell and Dewi Griffiths among national cross country winners appeared first on Fast Running.

Over 100 clubs represented by an impressive 2458 runners are entered for the Lindsays Scottish National Cross Country Championships on Saturday (February 23).

Scotland’s cross country showpiece takes centre stage at Callendar Park in Falkirk, with Olympians Steph Twell, Derek Hawkins and Freya Ross among those entered.

The event has attracted the biggest fields in 25 years of combined male and female championships with a fantastic 970 names on the entry list for senior men’s race, while a record 406 runners have entered the senior women’s event.

Twell headlines the senior women’s 10km field and will race for Kilbarchan AAC on the back of superb run at the Armagh International Road Races, where she equalled the 3km course record in 8:59.

The 29 year-old could be joined by fellow Olympian Ross on the start line, while defending champion Mhairi Maclennan will not want to relinquish her title.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

Former winner Morag Millar will also be in the hunt for medals and other leading entries include Cambuslang’s Moira Stewart and Irish international Fionnuala Ross, who is sharing her journey this year on Fast Running, Steph Pennycook and Fiona Brian.

Maclennan’s Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds won the team title in 2018, while Hunters Bog Trotters and Central AC have also won in the last three years. Fife AC should have a strong team at Falkirk after recently representing Great Britain at the European champion clubs cross country.

In the senior men’s race, two-time winner Andy Butchart is on the start-list but is not expected to race ahead of the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow next week.

2018 champion Kris Jones sits out and recently wrote about his Achilles issues in a recent Fast 10: class of 2019 article.

The ‘cavalry charge’ start will be something to behold in the senior men’s race with hundreds of club vests on display and last year’s silver and bronze medalists, Lachlan Oates and Andy Douglas, will aim to stake their claim for gold as will Olympic marathoner Hawkins if he races.

Also entered is Paralympian Derek Rae, along with triathletes Marc Austin and Grant Sheldon and British ultra runners James Stewart, Marco Consani and Kyle Greig.

GB international mountain runner Jacob Adkin is another athlete who is sharing his journey this year on Fast Running and is expected to race alongside Alastair Hay, Cameron Milne, Euan Gillham, Kenny Wilson, Sean Chalmers, Michael Ferguson and Cameron Strachan.

Central AC made it eight-in-a-row last year to match a record set between 1987 and 1994 by Cambuslang Harriers, with the Central squad coached by Derek Easton intent on creating Scottish cross country history on Saturday.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

Expect Inverclyde AC, Corstorphine, Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds and Shettleston to be in the mix as well.

Junior races

At under-20 level, there are a couple of GB internationals to look out for in the women’s race including Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds’ Anna Macfadyen who is aiming to defend her crown.

Under-17 winner from 2018, Eloise Walker of Edinburgh AC, steps up and could challenge. Add another GB international, Giffnock North’s Erin Wallace, to the mix and the finale to this could be well worth watching.

The men’s under-20 might be more open and some of the contenders could include Kilbarchan AAC’s Cameron Wright, Dundee Hawkhill’s James Donald, Edinburgh AC’s Freddie Carcas, Law and District AC’s James Gillon, Shettleston Harriers’ Jamie Burns, andCambuslang Harriers’ Gavin Smith.

The 2018 under-17 champion, Kilbarchan’s Jack Patton, returns aiming to win back-to-back golds at that age category.

The under-13 girls event at 11.00am is the first of 10 races at Falkirk, with the senior men’s race the concluding the action at 2.30pm.

There will be extensive video coverage online on Saturday evening courtesy of Vinco, while shorter highlights of each race will be on Scottish Athletics YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, national cross country championships also take place in England, Wales and Northern Ireland this weekend. A preview of the English National Cross Country Championships can be found here and the Welsh preview can be found here.

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Scottish Athletics has announced that the fields for the 2019 Lindsays National XC will be the largest overall for a quarter of a century since men’s and women’s championships combined in 1993-94.

The entry figure for the Scottish Cross Country Championships on Saturday, February 23 is a fantastic 2458 which out-strips the previous best from a couple of years ago.

The 26th edition of the event, which takes place at Falkirk’s Callendar Park, features 10 races from under-13 through to seniors and masters, and the governing body believes this is the biggest participation national championship event in Scottish sport.

The 2019 entry has risen by 184 athletes on last year’s 2274 tally and is up by 659 since 2011 – when the tally was 1799. That’s a rise of 37 percent in those eight years.

“We’re ecstatic about these entry numbers and must thank our clubs for their wonderful response,” said Mark Munro, chief executive of Scottish Athletics, who expressed a huge thank you to athletics clubs, coaches and team managers who are making such a commitment to competition.”

Among the notable entries in the senior races are Olympians Steph Twell, Freya Ross, Derek Hawkins and 2018 champions Kris Jones and Mhairi Maclennan.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

Also entered are Luke Traynor, Ross Houston, Derek Rae, James Stewart, Marco Consani, Kyle Greig, Fionnuala Ross, Morag Millar, Steph Pennycook, Fiona Brian, Lachlan Oates, Alastair Hay, Andy Douglas and triathletes Marc Austin and Grant Sheldon.

Munro added: “It’s a wonderful event and we’re seeing so many people just wanting to compete and be part of that now. We’ve been pushing the message ‘Competition – It’s What You Train For’ over the past three or four years and we’re getting athletes, coaches and clubs buying into that.

“Lindsays came on board as sponsors of the Cross Country Season some five years ago with a commitment to try and help us grow participation.

“Their support has enabled us to improve a couple of aspects, bringing in an initiative like the Lindsays Trophy, and helped us raise the profile of the National XC in particular.

“Video footage from the event is very popular and last year for the first time we experimented with drone footage, which was excellent.”

The biggest rise in entries is in the senior ranks, with a current figure of 979 signed up for the senior men’s race, while there is an all-time record entry for the senior women’s race at 406 – up by 41 runners on last year. It is worth noting that in 2017 Scottish Athletics equalised the men’s and women’s distance to 10km.

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British international Mhairi Maclennan, who finished ninth in 2017, got the better of pre-race favourite Steph Pennycook to win the senior women’s crown at the Lindsays Scottish Cross Country Championships on Saturday (February 24) in Falkirk.

Competing for Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds, Maclennan won by 11 seconds in 37:49 to claim her second major cross country title this year after winning the North of England crown in January.

Pennycook took silver in 38:00 and the top two’s placing ensured Edinburgh Uni won the team gold.

Victoria Park AC’s Anna Tait completed the podium in 38:36.

“I am absolutely thrilled to win a Senior National title for the first time and take the gold medal,” said Maclennan, afterwards. “It has been a dream year for me – after a lot of injury and frustration for the early part of 2017.”

Kris Jones moved one step up the podium to win the men’s Scottish title. After finishing second last year, Jones and third-placed Lachlan Oates were expected to battle it out at Callendar Park and that was exactly what happened with the two men taking gold and silver.

Competing for Dundee Hawkhill, Jones proved his decision was correct to sit out the Armagh 5k earlier this month due to a niggle and not risk injury before today’s Scottish Nationals.

Orienteerer Jones won in 33:05, with Oates second in 33:29 over the 10k course.

The third man was Inverclyde AC’s Andy Douglas in 33:37, with Central AC winning an eighth consecutive team title.

It was a Glasgow Uni one-two in the men’s U20 race, with the ever-improving Sol Sweeny taking gold ahead of Tristan Rees. Edinburgh AC’s Freddie Carcas completed the podium, with Glasgow Uni winning the team title.

Anna MacFadyen won the Scottish U20 women’s crown, with club mates Laura Stark and Naomi Lang making it a complete Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds podium to secure the team title.

Video highlights of all the races, including drone coverage can be found here.

Hunt and Owen impress in Swansea

Cardiff AAC’s James Hunt claimed his first Welsh senior men’s title at Singleton Park with a 19-second win over Swansea Harrier Philip Matthews.

Hunt, who finished runner-up in last year’s Welsh 5000m championships on the track, opened up a sizeable gap on his two main challengers in the closing stages of the race to win in 30:45.

“It’s unbelievable, I can’t believe I won,” said Hunt after his victory. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I was really strong in the second half, I kicked on the downhill and moved away and I didn’t look back.”

Matthews took silver in 31:04 and led the Swansea charge to another team gold. Completing the podium was Tipton Harriers Gareth Griffiths.

After making his comeback from injury in Armagh earlier this month Dewi Griffiths was eyeing a seventh straight title, but after featuring among the four leading men, unfortunately, had to pull up around halfway into the 10.1km race.

2015 U20 champion Bronwen Owen won a first senior crown with a fantastic final lap to beat last year’s winner Beth Kidger.

After two laps it was defending champion Kidger out in front, but the young Leeds Uni triathlete was right on her heels before pouncing in the closing stages of the 6.4km race.

Competing for Scarborough AC Owen’s won in 21:31, with Kidger settling for silver this year in 21:42.

Owen commented on her victory said: “The course was quite tough but not too muddy. I didn’t expect to win but I wanted to medal. I didn’t know who the competition was and didn’t get the lead until around 800m to go”

Winchester & District AC Melanie Wilkin took bronze in 22:19.

Fourth and sixth place finishes from Sian Edwards and Alaw Beynon-Thomas ensured Swansea Harriers regained the team title from Cardiff AAC.

There were under-20 race victories for Ciaran Lewis and Cari Hughes in the junior men’s and women’s races respectively.

It was a Swansea one-two in the U20 men’s race with Conor Smith taking gold with a ten-second win over Dominic Smith.

Swansea rivals Cardiff AAC also enjoyed a one-two of their own in the U20 women’s race with Abi Fisher taking the win from Gracie Wheeler.

Third was Mia Roberts with Cardiff taking team gold.

Northern Ireland & Ulster Cross Country Championships

At Lurgan Park, City of Derry’s Declan Reed and Rebekah Nixon of Dromore AC won the Northern Ireland & Ulster senior cross country titles.

Reed won the men 12k crown from multiple time winner Mark McKinstry of North Belfast Harriers, with Springwell RC’s Neil Johnston taking bronze.

Northern Ireland international Nixon clinched the women’s title after getting the better of defending champion Jessica Craig in the final lap. North Down’s Craig was beaten to silver by clubmate Rachel Gibson and settled for third.

City of Derry AC retained the men’s team title, as did North Down AC in the women’s.

The post Scottish and Welsh Nationals crown new champions appeared first on Fast Running.

After taking place at Wollaton Park in Nottingham last year the Saucony English National Cross Country Championships makes a return to Parliament Hill for the 16th time since the first in 1950.

With over 9000 entries across all races, there will be plenty of memorable cross country moments as runners charge the iconic uphill start on the Hampstead Heath course.

With a packed winter and spring calendar of racing from those entered there will surely a few big names missing on the start line in the senior races. One man not entered is last year’s winner Ben Connor, who after this huge 61:12 half marathon personal best in Barcelona has his sights on the World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia next month.

The 2016 national champion Jonny Hay is entered. The Aldershot athlete has had a fairly low key winter of racing, with a 14:12 personal best at the Armagh 5k last week his only outing from December.

Also entered is Northern cross country champion Carl Avery as well as South of England and Midlands winners John Gilbert and Alex Brecker.

Charlie Hulson, the men’s champion the last time Parliament Hill hosted the nationals in 2015, is entered and will surely be among the favourites if competing. Hulson, who finished sixth last year, has been in excellent form on the roads with personal best in Telford and Armagh last Thursday.

On the third podium step at last year’s nationals, was Sam Stabler. Stabler has been in good form this year in cross country and pipped Hulson to the Armagh 5k title last week. However, he sits out this year and will next race at the Inter Counties Championships in March.

Providing BUCS cross country champion Alex Yee has recovered from his foot injury the battle with Ben Dijkstra and Mahamed Mahamed should make a thrilling junior men’s race.

Last year the men’s team title was won by Tonbridge, and after sitting out the South of England Championships, the club will be heavily represented once again led by fourth-placed in Nottingham Chris Olley.

A special mention also goes to ‘class of 2018‘ duo Dave Norman and Ben Fish who will be on the start line in Hampstead Heath. For Norman, it is his 21st National and fifth time at Parliament Hill.

Defending champion Jess Judd is entered for the women’s 8km race, as is 2017 South of England champion Phoebe Law.

After finishing second and third last year, Aldershot’s Louise Small and Leeds City’s Claire Duck, will surely challenge again for top honours.

With Aldershot winning the team title in 2017 they will be once again favourites with a host of top names entered including Emily Hosker Thornhill, Philippa Bowden and Lauren Hall.

Defending champion Harriet Knowles-Jones will be a strong favourite in the junior race. After winning European junior cross country gold in December the 19-year-old went on to clinch the BUCS title at the beginning of February.

The women’s senior 8km race starts at 2:20pm with the men’s 12km at 3:00pm, while the junior races are at 1:05pm (women) and 1:35pm (men).

Jones and Oates to renew rivalry in Falkirk

Scotland is leading the way with changes to cross country and after equal distance for both the senior men and women at the Lindsays Scottish Cross Country Championships, all age groups compete over the same distance on Saturday.

RELATED: Should male and female cross country races be the same distance?

With over 2000 entries cross country will once again flourish at Callendar Park over the nine races. 2017 champion Callum Hawkins sits out this year as he continues his preparations for the marathon at the Commonwealth Games.

That leaves Kristian Jones and Lachlan Oates ready to renew their rivalry after finishing second and third last year. Most recently the pair finished first and second at the Scottish Inter District Championships.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

Injury forces women’s champion Moran MacLarty to miss out and Steph Pennycook will start as one of the favourites.

Last week Pennycook ran a 3k road personal best in Armagh and also wore the Scottish vest in the 4x1K International Relay at the Great Edinburgh XC in January.

Fellow Edinburgh Uni Hare and Hounds athlete and North of England XC champion Mhairi Maclennan will be among those leading the challenge.

Photo: Bobby Gavin

The full competition will broadcast ‘as live’ on Saturday evening and in a technology first, the coverage will also include drone footage.

“We’re really excited to step up our coverage of this flagship event this year by introducing these innovations, said Scottish Athletics Head of Communications, Peter Jardine. “We hope adding both drone footage and a same day as-live broadcast will add to the excitement and sense of occasion that already surrounds this fantastic day of athletics in Falkirk.”

The women’s senior race starts at 1:25pm with the men’s at 2:55pm.

Griffiths and Kidger aim to retain Welsh titles

Photo: Paul Stillman

Fresh from a successful first race back after injury Dewi Griffiths returns to a happy hunting ground of Swansea’s Singleton Park. The Swansea Harrier has won six straight Welsh titles and will start as the strong favourite once again as edges closer to Steve Jones’ record of nine.

With the senior races incorporating the Welsh Masters Championships, Ryan McFlynn who finished second last year behind Griffiths starts for the first time as a masters athlete.

Iolo Hughes finished third last year and the New Mexico student is stateside having a full indoor season.

Dominant Swansea won the men’s title last year and as well as Griffiths, fellow Harriers Marc Hobs, Phil Matthews and Jack Gooch will aim to retain that crown.

Favourite in women’s senior race will be defending champion Beth Kidger. The Brighton Phoenix runner won last year ahead of Clara Evans and Lucy Marland who lead the Cardiff AAC team to victory last year.

2016 team winners Swansea will hope get back to their title and Andrea Whitcomb and Alaw Benyon-Thomas will head that charge.

The women’s 6.42km senior race starts at 12:15pm with the men’s 10.1km race at 2:55pm.

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