Four Manx athletes will be in cross-country action at Sefton Park in Liverpool today.
It’s the second round of the British Cross Challenge series and serves as the selection trial for the Great Britain U20, U23 and senior teams ahead of next month’s European Cross-Country Championships in Portugal.
Manx Harriers duo Bella Quaye and Leighton Curphey will compete in the U13 races over 3 kilometres. The girls set off at 11:15, followed by the boys at 11:30. Best of luck to Bella and Leighton, who will no doubt benefit from racing in such high-quality fields.
The U20 Men’s race at 12:35 includes Sam Perry of Northern AC, now in his first year at Loughborough University. Covering a relatively short 4.4-kilometre course, the race distance should suit Sam well as he takes on his first major challenge of the season.
In the Senior Women’s race, starting at 12:55 over 8 kilometres, 2023 English National Champion Sarah Astin will line up for Belgrave Harriers.
The Isle of Man Commonwealth Games 5,000 metres runner is now focusing more on road and track, but she has always been an outstanding cross-country performer and will be aiming for a strong showing on Saturday.
I’m looking forward to cheering them on from course-side and will report back on how they get on.