UPDATED: National XC Preview: Vernon and Damen to defend in London
In 2011 Steve Vernon and Louise Damen were convincing National XC champions, in conditions described as a ‘mudbath’. This weekend’s Parliament Hill course may not be as dramatic underfoot, but its classic cross country standing should produce equally worthy winners…
There can be few greater sights in cross country running than the start of the National. Over 4000 runners are registered to race across the full programme and this will be 125th running of the men’s event – few XC races in the world can have such history and magnitude in their nation’s running psyche.
The National 'charge'
Describing the route English Athletics state:
One the best vantage points is the top of the first Hill where they run up from the start at the Lido. Then a walk across Kite Hill and the runners can be seen again returning from there trip around the Fields and then coming past the Tumulus and the Saxon Ditch before they race down the Hill to Finish by the Athletic Track.
Men’s race preview
If all of the pre-race entries show up this Saturday we could be in for one of the best Nationals for many years. 2011 winner Steve vernon has been in great form this winter and on a course that will suit his excellent climbing ability he should start as narrow favourite.
Vernon in top gear at Mansfield
Close-by in these stakes will be Frank Tickner. The Wells athlete, and former National XC champion, has been in equally impressive form this last 6 months, having arguably his best XC season for many years. Brother Ben has aslo been going very well in recent weeks, including the Southern XC title, and should be a threat.
Frank Tickner winning in Cardiff
Runner-up at that race was Phil Wicks and after a great half marathon win last weekend at the Wokingham event the GB international should be in the mix.
Throw in Midlands XC winner James Walsh, former National winner Tom Humphries, top XC and track men Ryan McLeod and Jonny Mellor, Brownlee brothers Alistair and Jonny (who are entered for their Bingley club) – though Ali is a definite no as he has an achilles injury, Tom Lancashire, 2011 runner-up Mike Skinner, Salford’s Andi Jones and Bedford’s Neilson Hall and the list of possibles and probables is endless.
The 1400 plus get underway at 3.00pm, racing 12km.
Women’s race preview
Though relatively quiet this winter 2011 champion Louise Damen (probably due to her Olympic marathon aspirations) will be a force to be reckoned with, and according to her Twitter feed she is definitely running.
Gemma Steel at the 2011 National XC
British XC athlete of the 2011/12 season Gemma Steel sits this one out should be right in there chasing her first National crown. After a dominant win in Liverpool in November and a superb bronze at the Euro Cross, followed by strong runs in Edinburgh and Antrrim, the Charnwood runner will be very hard to beat on this course.
In 2011 Winchester athlete Damen outgunned Hatti Dean for the win, and after a strong winter on the country Dean should also be a big challenger to Damen’s title again this year.
Dean wins in Hulshout
Charlotte Purdue is returning to racing after injury. Though entered it is unclear if she will run, as the AF&D runner has indicated that she will race only once before her NYC half-marathon debut in March.
Aldershot team mates Steph Twell and Emma Pallant are on the entry sheets, but whether they toe the Parliament Hill start line remains to be seen too.
The women’s race gets underway at as the 700 plus entrants cover 8km.
Check out the EA twitter and Facebook feeds for updates and results throughout the day.
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