International Opportunities: Cross Country
There will be several opportunities for Welsh athletes to gain Welsh vests throughout the 2016/17 cross country season, with the first being at the Great Edinburgh International XC 2017 Team Relay on 7th January 2017. Wales will send 2 men and 2 women to compete over a 1k cross country course in this unique event which allows some of our best middle distance athletes to compete against teams from England, Scotland, Ireland and the USA. The event is incorporated into the Great Endinburgh XC event.
The British Athletics Cardiff Cross Challenge takes place on Sunday 22nd January 2017 where the event will again welcome the best British Athletes to compete in the Welsh Capital. Wales will compete in an Inter-Area Match at senior level, with the first senior athlete at the Welsh Inter-Regional Championships (taking place on the 11th December 2016) earning an automatic spot with the remaining athletes being selected considering current form.
The Celtic Cross Country International will this year be incorporated into the Cardiff Cross Challenge. There will be competition for U17, U20 and U23 Teams, with up to 4 male and 4 female athletes selected for each age group. The first athlete in each age group at the Inter-Regional Championships will be guaranteed selection with the remaining places being selected on current form.
Welsh Women competing against the top British Athletes.
The Home Countries Cross Country International on the 25th March 2017 will be the season closer for many and provides a last opportunity for Welsh Athletes to test themselves against the best British Runners. The Home Countries competition will be incorporated into the SIAB Cross Country event, which will be hosted by Wales, this time taking place in Port Talbot. Wales will field U20 and Senior teams, with up to 4 men and 4 women in each age group being selected.
Other opportunities
Wales will support a number of athletes to compete at the Cross de Atapuerca, Spain on the 13th November 2016.
Dewi Griffiths competing at the European Cross Country Championships.