Purdue's dominance continues in Antrim
Charlotte Purdue
After demolishing the opposition in Cardiff last weekend, Charlotte Purdue yesterday handed the bronze medalist from the 2010 World junior XC champs a sound beating, underlining that she is the stand-out British athlete on the country this winter…
Kenya’s Esther Chemtai struck out early on but wasn’t able to shake off the tenacious Purdue in cold and foggy conditions on the Greenmount course in Antrim – the third leg in the four-race McCain Cross Challenge series, and the 6th race of this winter’s IAAF Permit XC series.
The Aldershot athlete blasted round the 5.6km course, finishing in 17.57, six seconds clear of 2010 Euro trials winner Louise Damen, who came through strongly for second. Chemtai finished third another second back.
Speaking afterwards she told Cóilín Duffy “I’m really pleased with the way things are going for me. I just want to stay injury free for the rest of the season and I’m looking forward to the World Cross Country in March”.
In the men’s race Mike Kigen once again showed his class as he easily beat compatriots Titus Mbishei and Jacob Cheshari. The UK had to wait until seventh place for their first athlete, with this winter’s dominant XC man Andy Vernon coming home around a minute behind Kigen.
Report and full results now online at the UKA
Mike Kigen wins the 2011 Antrim International XC
