Athletics Ireland hosted the first major cross country event of the season at the new, purpose built cross country course at the National Sports Campus in Abbottstown. Irelands’ top competitors were in action, some as a rehearsal for the National Cross Country Championships at the same venue on 27th November.
Rachel Gibson ran in the Senior womens event alongside international athlete Fionnoula McCormack amongst others and finished in 23rd position, and 4th within the Ulster representation.
The mens senior race incorporated the mens junior U20 race and 17 year old Craig McMeechan tucked in behind the leading group of senior runners early on. As the 3 laps progressed Craig maintained his strong pace to create a gap on his U20 rivals. By the finish he had opened up a comfortable lead and pushed on to the finish to win the race.
The new cross country course was well received with the athletes and will provide a tough track in the months ahead as the ground softens up.