Inter Counties XC is this Saturday...
Ryan McLeod leads the men's race at the Inter Counties 2011
With no World XC selection to aim for in 2012 this weekend’s big event in Birmingham doubles as the McCain Cross Challenge Final and the Inter Counties XC Champs. The racing will no doubt still be highly competitive at the sharp-end, as athletes battle it out for county pride and the overall series prizes.
Start lists show that some UK cross country big guns will be present in both men’s and women’s races.
In the senior men’s event expect newly-crowned National champ Keith Gerrard (who is listed as a starter), Steve Vernon, Frank Tickner, James Walsh, James Wilkinson, Scottish champ Derek Hawkins, Welsh champ Dewi Griffiths (who looks ahead in this Runners Life interview) and Phil Wicks to all be in the mix.
In the senior women’s race 2012 National XC winner Gemma Steel will be out sporting her Leicestershire vest and will be hard to beat after what has been a sparkling XC season for the Charnwood runner.
Gemma Steel - easy winner in Bristol
Looking to upset Steel’s quest for the National / Inter Counties double runner up at Parliament Hill two weeks ago Steph Twell. The Hampshire athlete has been improving with every race recently and will be a big challenge to Steel. Down to run is Charlotte Purdue, but we can’t confirm her place on the start line at this stage.
Others to look out for will be Hannah Walker, Naomi Taschimowitz and Lizzie Adams.
Racing gets underway at 11.05 with the junior men’s race and expect further previews on UKA and athleticos this coming day or two.
2012 Inter Counties XC, Cofton Park, Birmingham – timetable
11.05 hrs Under 20 Men 8,000m
11.33 hrs Under 13 Boys 3,000m
11.51 hrs Senior Women 8.000m
12.23 hrs Under 15 Boys 4,500m
12.42 hrs Under 17 Women 5,000m
13.08 hrs Under 20 Women 6,000m
13.33 hrs Under 13 Girls 3,000m
13.53 hrs Under 17 Men 6,000m
14.15 hrs Under 15 Girls 4,000m
14.36 hrs Senior Men 12,000m
