Posted Date: 01-Jan-2009 Thurs

Gransha was the venue on Saturday last for the annual North West cross-country championships hosted by City of Derry Athletics Club. A field of 96 athletes took part in the 6km open event which followed a full timetable of juvenile races from early morning. The host club recorded a notable double victory with Dirmuid Grant and Aileen Morrison taking the top honours. Despite the torrential downpours in the previous 24 hours, the course held up remarkably well. Many athletes from across the North West and beyond were using it as the dress rehearsal for the Ulster and Northern Ireland senior cross-country championships at the end of January. Niall McGee finished 41st, while Finbarr Gallagher came through the field gradually in the penultimate lap to clinch 59th place overall. Meanwhile, on Sunday week last, Owenie Mc Kinney ran 20.00 minutes for the 5km Turkey Trot organized by Letterkenny A.C.

RESULTS & PHOTOS NORTH WEST XC

Local athletes will be kept busy over the festive season with a number of races taking place across the North West. On Christmas Day, Mickey Bradley is organizing his annual 10 mile run from Bridgend to Buncrana in aid of Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin. Athletes should assemble at 9.30 in Ludden car park. For more details, 086-3267443. On St. Stephen’s Day athletes have the choice of the annual 5km handicap organized by Finn Valley A.C or the Greencastle 5 mile road race in Co. Tyrone at 1.00 pm. On Saturday 27th December, a 5km fun run and walk in aid of St. Boden’s National School will take place in Culdaff at 2.00pm. Check-in is from 1.00 pm in the hall. The race will start at Culdaff P.O and use the same course as the annual Culdaff 5km. On New Year’s Day Tir conaill A.C. will host an 8km road race in Bundoran. Registration is from 10.00 am at Bundoran GAA grounds. The walk gets under way at 11.30 am, with the run off at 12 noon. Training for all senior athletes will continue as usual every Tuesday evening at 6.30 pm over the Christmas period.