[Not a valid template]The Stormont International Cross Country, one of the great free spectator events in sport, took place in mild, sunny conditions that defied the time of year. Incorporating a round of the UK Challenge and the Celtic International, the fixture attracted a large cosmopolitan field from all parts of the UK and Ireland. The Mens International over 9K went to Moses Kipriso of Uganda who broke away in the final lap but in the straight had to fend off the fast finishing Fabiano Joseph of Tanzania and third placed Patrick Musyoki Makau of Kenya. The 5600m Women International was won for the third consecutive year by Etalemehu Kidane of Ehiopia from fellow Ethiopian Teyiba Erkesso and Mary Wacera of Kenya. Stephanie Hambling and Mark Armstrong were the North Down standouts and there were some good team results.
North Down AC had a good turnout across the various races. Mark Armstrong got the club off to a great start with 12th in the 1800m U13 race in 7.41 min with Glen Willis 66th while Clare Scott and Leigh McWha were 56th and 68th in the 3600m U15 girls race. The U15 boys team performed well to finish 8th and 3rd Northern Ireland club with Brian Barron 29th in 15.03 min, Jordan Stokes 45th in 15.41 min, Chris Denny 67th in 16.38 min and Matthew McMullan 69th in 16.41 min.
Jessica Craig was 62nd U17 girl while in the 5600m U17 boys race there was another good team performance for 11th team and 2nd Northern Ireland.Robin Brown was 35th in 20.46 min, Mark Patterson 76th in 22.35 min, Niall Robinson 82nd in 22.49 min and Thomas Simpson 102nd in 24.38 min. The veteran men over 7400m also finished with a good team result of 7th, 4th in Northern Ireland. The scoring four were Francis Marsh 17th in 20.46 min, Tony Wall 56th in 30.59 min, George Bell 58th in 31.09 min and John Quiery 68th in 32.11 min The three M60 runners were 5th, 6th and 7th in the age group with Norman Lellyett 78th overall in 33.54 min, Fred Murdoch 84th in 35.02 and Ean McClure 90th in 36.22 min.
[Not a valid template]The Womens International also incorporated the female vets and the U20 Championship. Kerry Iveston started very strongly but was overhauled by Stephanie Hambling in a powerful final lap to take the North Down bragging rights. Stephanie was impressively 2nd F35 with 78th overall in 25.45 min. Kerry was 81st in 25.56 min and Nicola Simpson 94th in 28.05 min. In the U20 Championship, Kerry and Nicola were 22nd and 26th respecyively, 7th and 10th of the Northern Irish contingent.