An extensive programme of cross country action is promised for this Sunday February 3rd at the Woodie's DIY AAI Master, Intermediate & Juvenile Development Cross Country Championships in Gransha, Derry. The juvenile development programme will start at 11:30 with the Girls U11 and will finish with the Boys U17.
The Masters Women and Masters Men Cross Country Championships will then get underway with the women starting at 2.00pm. In the master's women's race there is likely to be a battle between last year's champion Pauline Curley (Tullamore Harriers AC) and Annette Kealy (Raheny Shamrock AC). Jean Wilson (Sports world AC) will lead a strong challenge from Dublin and she will be aiming to improve on her seventh place from last year.
Defending champion Ciaran Doherty (Letterkenny AC), the flying fisherman is back to defend his title after a commanding victory at last year's event. Doherty performed exceptionally in 2012, which saw him become World Master Indoor Champion over 3,000m. Former champion David Morwood (Annadale AC) will be chief challenger after he impressively won the Ulster title last week. Mick Traynor (Raheny Shamrock AC), Paul Fleming (Rathfarnham WSAF) and Peter Mathews (Dundrum South Dublin AC) lead the charge from the capital in what is likely to be one of most exciting race's of the 12 event programme. Stephen Duncan (Omagh AC) and Declan Reid (City of Derry AC) are both rounding into top form and round out a high quality field in the chase for the national title.
The final two races of the day will be the highly competitive Intermediate women's 4000m and men's event over 8,000m. These particular championships can serve as a stepping stone in the improvement and development of cross country athletes.
11.30 Juvenile
Masters Women 2.00pm (4,000m)
Master Men 2.30pm (7,000m)
Intermediate Women 3.10pm (4,000m)
Intermediate men 3.40 pm (8,000m)