Action packed weekend ahead

We have an exciting weekend ahead. First of all, on Saturday it is the Inter Counties at Nottingham with four local athletes in action. First off will be Gemma Astin in the U17 race followed by her sister Sarah in the U15 event. Gemma is at the top end of the age group and will be aiming to improve on her 32nd from last year whilst Sarah has had a really tough couple of years with injury so, no doubt, she will just be pleased to be on the start line. I am sure she will run her usual determined race.

The final race of the day is the Senior Mens race and includes Keith Gerrard and Kevin Loundes. As it is also the trial for the World Cross we can expect a high standard race. Keith is an old hand now at this level and will be determined to prove his run at the National was just a blip. I am sure we will see him placed prominently in the main bunch to give himself every chance of a top placing. For Kevin, it is his first time at this event. However, he is making great progress and should do very well. To approach his position of 62nd in the National would be a great achievement with the Scotish, Welsh and Northern Irish included this time.

Sky Sports 3 are covering the action.

However, Sky will not be at Nobles Park on Sunday for the final round of the Manx Gas League. With plenty of rain recently we can expect quite a lot of mud. Despite the above being absent we can expect some close racing. Hopefully there will still be some good sized fields in what is the last chance to gain points to complete the league.

I had been planning to run but things look 50;50 at the moment as my left calf has been sore all week and restricted training since Tuesday to some work in the gym.