The national cross country circus arrives at Templemore Sports Complex in Derry today. City of Derry Spartans AC and Athletics Ireland host a full programme across Senior, U23, U20 and Juvenile Even Age races, with the best athletes in the country lining up for medals and European selection.
Adding an extra edge to the racing, the leading athletes in the Senior, U23 and U20 categories will secure selection for next month’s European Cross Country Championships in Portugal.
📍 The Venue & Course
The venue is the Templemore Sports Complex just outside the city centre. The course is reportedly flat and fast by cross-country standards – so while you might expect a bog or a hill or two, organisers indicate that the layout meets all Championships criteria
🏃 Top Races & Athletes
The programme runs from U12 Girls (2,000 m) at 11.30am, through to Senior/U23 Men’s 7,500 m at 2.50pm.
Senior Women
The senior women line up at 2.10pm over 7500 metres and it is shaping up to be fierce. Ann Marie McGlynn from Strabane returns with the aim of defending her title. She arrives in strong form after a big run at the National Marathon only a few weeks ago. She will not have it handy. Fiona Everard from Bandon has looked sharp all autumn and knows what it takes to earn a seat on the plane for the Europeans in Portugal next month.
Keep an eye on Danielle Donegan from Tullamore Harriers and Mary Mulhare from Portlaoise who both went well in Cardiff recently. Dublin City Harriers arrive mob handed with Olympian Jodie McCann leading their charge. The Flanagan twins from Finn Valley and Leevale pair Niamh Allen and Michelle Finn add even more depth to the field.
The U23 contest will be tight. Kirsty Maher from Moy Valley has impressed this season. Eimear Maher from DSD brings European podium experience from the summer. Roise Roberts from Candour and Avril Millerick from Youghal are also worth noting.
Senior Men
The senior men begin at 2.50pm with a new champion guaranteed in the absence of Keelan Kilrehill. Cormac Dalton of Mullingar Harriers has the credentials to set the pace after strong recent results in Europe. His clubmate Jack O Leary arrives buzzing after PBs across multiple distances.
The field is stacked. Efrem Gidey from Clonliffe, Darragh McElhinney from Bantry and Brian Fay from Raheny Shamrock return to domestic racing with serious pedigree. David McGlynn from Waterford is another interesting entry coming straight off a national marathon title.
U23 athletes will absolutely be in the hunt. Nick Griggs from Candour is the big one to watch. Silver at Euro Cross last year speaks loud. His teammate Callum Morgan arrives off a clear win at the Autumn Open. Niall Murphy from Ennis Track and the UCD pair Lughaidh Mallon and Jonas Stafford all have the power to get amongst it.
The U20 race is wide open. Frank Buchanan from St Michaels and Finn Diver from Beechmount have shown good form and will push hard for Portugal selection.
🕒 The Day’s Schedule
⏰ 11.30am – Girls U12 – 2,000 m
⏰ 11.45am – Boys U12 – 2,000 m
⏰ 12.00pm – Girls U14 – 3,000 m
⏰ 12.20pm – Boys U14 – 3,000 m
⏰ 12.40pm – Girls U16 – 4,000 m
⏰ 1.00pm – Boys U16 – 4,000 m
⏰ 1.20pm – Girls U18/U20 – 4,500 m
⏰ 1.45pm – Boys U18/U20 – 4,500 m
⏰ 2.10pm – Senior / U23 Women – 7,500 m
⏰ 2.50pm – Senior / U23 Men – 7,500 m
📄 Starting List
📺 Watch Live
📊 Results
That wraps it up. A huge day awaits in Derry with pride, selection chances for Portugal and serious bragging rights all on the line. Every race will matter and every place will count once the mud starts flying. Safe travels to everyone making the journey and fair play to the clubs who have put in months of graft to get here.