Leevale athlete undertook the long journey to Donegal to compete in the National Senior Cross Country Championships.
The women’s 8000m race came down to a battle between Sarah Healy, Ciara Mageean and Michelle Finn. The athletes raced together for the first 5,000m. 1500m specialist Haley and Mageehan made a decisive move which saw them broke from Michelle, the 2021 champion who crossed the line in third place. This finish should secure yet another Irish team selection for the European Cross Country which will be held Piemonte-La Mandria Park, Turin, on 11th of December.
Leevale women’s team finished just outside the medals in 4th with Sinead O’Connor (14), Niamh Moore (33) and Claire McCarthy (35)
Leevale’s US based athlete, Anika Thompson was a decisive winner of the women’s U-20 title after making the trip from Oregon for the event. Anika finished clear of Anna Gardiner and Roise Roberts (North Belfast Harriers) who will be once again be looking forward to a European Cross Country Championships over the coming weeks.
Speaking after the race Thompson said: “It was tough out there but I had a lot of fun. Whenever I commit to taking it early, there’s no going back. I look forward to continue competing in Ireland for sure.”
In the BU14 race Luke Merrigan had a very strong run to cross the line second place.
Full Results: HERE
Watch Full Stream HERE
