European champion & World half marathon medallist to race at Stormont (Incorporating the UK Cross-Country Challenge & sponsored by Mizuno) Athletics Northern Ireland are pleased to announce that European Junior Cross Country champion Stephanie Twell and World Road Half Marathon silver medallist Patrick Makau will be competing in the Belfast International Cross Country on Saturday 5th January 2008 at Stormont Estate. This event is the 31st running of Ireland’s most prestigious cross country event and is sponsored by Mizuno.
Just over a week ago in Toro Spain, 18 year old British International Twell became the first junior to retain a European cross country title as she led the British team to gold medals with training partner charlotte Purdue taking the individual bronze. Twell (who won her 1st title in Italy a year ago) refused to be overawed by her pre-race favourite tab and relentlessly applied pressure on her opposition from an early stage to dominate the event and record a 9 seconds victory over runner-up Urbank of Poland. Stephanie’s commanding front-running inspired her team-mates who recorded a dominant 36 points victory over second place Russia.
Afterwards Twell said “This was special because I’ve made history- I will also be eligible for next year’s championships in Ostend”. Twell’s determination and ability have attracted comparisons with world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe. Stephanie said she would like to eventually emulate Paula’s marathon achievements. She commented “It’s an honour to be mentioned in the same breath as Paula”.
Also appearing at Stormont will be the World Road Half Marathon runner up Patrick Makau of Kenya. Birchfield Harrier Makau took the silver medal in Italy 2 months ago only some 3 seconds adrift from winner Tadese of Ethiopia. This achievement came as no surprise as the 22 year old has enjoyed a number of personal bests this year. In early January he took the bronze medal at Stormont behind Ugandan winner Moses Kiser. He quickly followed this with a PB in the Lahore 10K (28.03) and in April he recorded an eye catching half marathon win in Berlin of 58 minutes 56 seconds- the second fastest in the world this year. Patrick is looking forward to improving on his 3rd place Stormont finish.
Previous winners of the Belfast International meeting which started way back in 1977 have included world and Olympic champions. Notable names have included Paula Radcliffe, Paul Tergat, Steve Cram, Steve Ovett, John Tracey, Khalid Skah, Sergey Lebid, Liz McColgan, Brendan Foster plus a host of other world class Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes.
Julian Moorhouse of Mizuno Corporation (UK) commented:
“The Belfast Cross Challenge is one of the leading cross country events in the UK and Mizuno are delighted to continue our association with the event. We are well positioned as a leading global sports brand to help develop all forms of running and cross country is often the first introduction to running for youngsters”.
Other international names will be announced shortly.
Further information from:
PRO Clare McCoy: Tel: 02890 602707 or Brian Hill: Tel: 0781 506 9697
