Round Up of the NI & Ulster Even Age Group Championships and Bobby Rea International XC 2024

22 October 2024

Round Up of the NI & Ulster Even Age Group Championships and Bobby Rea International XC 2024

Photo: Joel Dobbin

The weather didn’t stop this year’s NI & Ulster Even Age Group Championships and Bobby Rea International Cross Country which took place at the Billy Neill MBE Country Park on Sunday 20th October 2024. The event saw several exciting finishes, particularly in the age group and senior races.

This 47th edition of the International Cross Country, proudly sponsored by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Sport NI, has a long history of attracting international talent. The event has welcomed a range of international athletes over the years including Paul Tanui; Timothy Cheruiyot, Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi, Steve Ovett, Steve Cram, Brendan Foster, Paula Radcliffe, Paul Tergat, Fionnuala Britton, Gizelaw Ayana and Helen Obiri.

Throughout the day, age group races produced tight competitions, especially in the U12 Girls and U12 Boys races. Finn Valley AC and Lagan Valley AC teams where successful throughout the age group event. Once again, the event highlighted the emerging talent of these young athletes, who have the potential for promising athletics careers in the future.

The Senior, U20 Women’s, and 60+ Men’s race was claimed by Danielle Donegan of Tullamore Harriers, who was part of Ireland's U23 team at last year’s European Cross Country Championships in Brussels. She was followed by NI & Ulster representatives Rebecca Rossiter in second and Annabel Morrison in third. The demanding Billy Neill course provided excellent preparation for the athletes ahead of the Irish National Cross Country Championships on Sunday 17th November at Castle Irvine Estate, Enniskillen.

The final race, the Bobby Rea International Cross Country, didn’t disappoint. Kenya’s Vincent Mutai taking a comfortable win, followed by Nick Griggs who was representing NI & Ulster in second and Jamie Battle (Mullingar Harriers) in third.