Elite performances headline European Cross Country Championship qualifiers in Sefton Park
Sefton Park in Liverpool hosted the Euro Cross trials on November 23, bringing together some of Britain’s finest athletes in a thrilling display of endurance and determination. Facing relentless rain and muddy terrain, competitors battled for a coveted spot on Team GB for the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya, Turkey, on December 8. The day saw extraordinary performances, with Kate Axford and Tomer Tarragano seizing commanding victories in the senior races, while junior and under-23 stars cemented their places as future cross-country icons.
Kate Axford Claims Women’s Senior Victory
Kate Axford, representing Belgrave Harriers, continued her meteoric rise in the sport with a spectacular victory in the women’s senior race. The former hockey player, who began running competitively in 2023, surged ahead of the pack in the closing stages to secure her win. Following her strong performance in Cardiff earlier this month, Axford credited her growing confidence: “Cardiff showed me what I was capable of, and today I just focused on staying strong despite the challenging conditions.”
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Axford now leads a powerhouse British team featuring Cari Hughes, who took second place after another impressive run, Poppy Tank, who transitioned smoothly from her steeplechase season to earn bronze, and Abbie Donnelly, a previous Euro Cross bronze medalist who finished fourth. The team will aim for individual and team podium finishes in Antalya, with high hopes for a gold medal.
Tarragano Outshines in Men’s Senior Race
Tomer Tarragano of Brighton and Hove AC delivered a career-defining performance in the men’s senior race, showcasing his development since competing at the under-23 level. Tarragano’s strategic and powerful finish earned him the top spot ahead of defending champion Hugo Milner, who fought hard for second place. “This race has been my target all season, and I’m thrilled to finally deliver at this level,” Tarragano said.
Milner, who secured fourth at last year’s Euro Cross, remains optimistic about his chances in Antalya, even with the formidable Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the field. Joining them on the men’s senior team are Scott Beattie and Ellis Cross, who claimed third and fourth place, respectively, both showing improved form from last year’s event.
Junior Stars Steal the Spotlight
The juniors delivered equally inspiring performances, with reigning European champion Innes FitzGerald dominating the under-20 women’s race. The 18-year-old led from start to finish, building a 31-second lead over second-placed Jess Bailey, demonstrating her readiness to defend her title in Turkey. “I know the expectations are high, but today’s race gave me the confidence I need heading into the championship,” FitzGerald said.
Henry Dover retained his junior men’s title with a confident and commanding finish. Already a sixth-place finisher at last year’s Euro Cross, Dover looks poised to make a significant impact in this year’s competition. The junior men’s race also highlighted the depth of talent, with strong performances from William Rabjohns and Oliver Conway, who joined Dover in securing their places on the British team.
Emerging Talent Bolsters British Team
The under-23 category saw impressive wins from Meg Gadsby and David Stone, who returned from injury to triumph in their races. Youth athletes also shone brightly, with Ethan Withnall and Kara Gorman delivering standout performances in the under-15 races. These results underline the incredible depth and resilience of British cross-country athletes across all age groups.
With such strong performances at the Liverpool trials, Team GB heads to Turkey with confidence, determined to leave a mark on the international stage.
