Saucony's Andy Vernon raced to victory at the GB & NI European Cross Country trials held in Liverpool, and secured his spot to lead the GB team in the European Cross Country champs later this year.  See UKA Website for full report and pictures.  More details also available from Athletics Weekly.

Andy, who also won the event in 2011 will head to Slovakia on 11th December with high hopes of improving on his 12th place in 2009 and maybe even having a shot at a podium position.

Behind Vernon other Saucony athletes were also acquitting themselves well.  Marathon men Ben Moreau and Dave Webb finished 26th and 34th respectively. 

Ashley Harrell finished 14th in the senior race and was a frustrated 7th U23 so will have an agonising wait to see if he makes the trip to the Europeans as he did in 2010.

In the womens race, track star Charlene Thomas took a very creditable 14th as she looks to build up her endurance after an injury-forced absence from the major championships of the summer.

Many of Team Saucony will be heading off to warmer climes either side of the festive season, so we wish them all the best as the hard yards begin.

Monday, 28 November 2011