Big weekend - on and off Island

We have a really exciting weekend coming up both on and off the Island. On Saturday, Sefton Park, Liverpool will host the latest round of the UK Cross Challenge and includes, for Under 20s and seniors, the trials for the European Cross Country Championships, to be held in Brussels on 14th December. Keith Gerrard will be lining up in the senior event hoping for either one of the senior berths or, failing that, a slot in the Under 23 race. There has been some speculation as to whether some runners will seek pre-selection i.e. not run the trial. To me, it they are selected, that somewhat detracts from calling the event "a trial”.

The Sefton Park event used to attract a good number of Isle of Man runners. However, the loss of the day trip to Liverpool in winter has made it a more expensive and difficult affair for travelling to and from the event. It is good to hear, then, that Gemma Astin and her younger sister Katie will be lining up in the under 17 girls and under 11 events girls events respectively.

It is fast parkland course but with large fields is bound to cut up with plenty of mud about, especially later in the day. Good luck to Keith, Gemma and Katie.

On Sunday, local action takes place at Crossags Farm, Ramsey in round three of the Manx Gas League. Like Glen Lough it is a farmland-based course. However the lap is considerably longer and for many this is the best course of those used in the series. it is also good to series going to different parts of the Island.

If you have not run there before, for me I look at the course in three sections plus the start finish area. The first part of the course is fairly flat through farm fields. Depending on how wet it is, it can range from very fast to running through water! Then it is onto the hill, first over the agricultural land and then into the wooded area overlooking the farm. At the top of the lung bursting climb there is a stream to cross and then there is a steep, twisty descent to the start/finish area. For spectators there are a number of places to see the runners, especially if you go out on the course around the hill.

The races themselves could be really exciting too, depending on exactly who is running of course. In the women’s there could be a good battle between Gail Griffiths and Rachael Tewkesbury. Both are improving but Gail’s greater experience may help give her the verdict.

In the men’s event, Kevin Loundes will be favourite after a win in round one and also his recent victory in the Syd Quirk Half Marathon. The real action could be behind him. Last time’s winner Nigel Armstrong is missing as he is off-Island but a number of others including Gianni Epifani, Darren Gray, Andy Fox, Ed Gumbley (if recovered from a sore knee) and Christian Varley will all have aspirations to be as close to Kevin as possible. Not sure if John Halligan is able to compete after his recent injury – he could be another to add to the mix!

This is the last League race before Christmas. Let’s hope for another good turnout in all age-groups.

Finally, I suggest that you arrive early as parking is limited and this will also give you time to familiarise yourself with the course.