With recent storms Ophelia and Brian sweeping across Ireland anyone would have been excused for thinking 12 or 15 mill spikes would have been required for the purpose built Abbotstown cross country course on Sunday. But the ground was relatively firm which led to some quality running from the quality runners on show which included 4 North Down athletes.
The ladies senior race included the ladies under 20 event so Rachel Gibson and Rio Catney started together with Rachel covering 4 laps of the 1500m course and Rio, 3. The end result was 19th for Rio and 24th for Rachel which represented great performances with high class opposition.
The men’s race followed a similar fashion with masters, under 20 and senior in the same lead off pack. The masters race competed over 7500m and Francis Marsh secured his Irish vest for the British and Irish XC in Londonderry next month with a 2nd place over 50. Over the shorter 3 lap U20 race Craig McMeechan finished 6th, in what was a talent laden field.