The Microgaming-sponsored Isle of Man Cross-Country Championships take place this Sunday afternoon at Ballannette, Lonan, writes David Griffiths.
The event is the highlight of the season and this year is organised by Manx Harriers.
It incorporates round four of the cross-country league and double points are awarded for this one, making it a vital scorer. It also counts as two of the four events needed to qualify for the league. Racing gets under way at 2pm - all are welcome.
The timetable of events is: 12.45pm to 2pm - registration for all competitors; 2pm - Under-nine boys (one small lap, 790 metres); 2.05pm - under-nine girls (one small lap, 790m); 2.10pm - u11 boys (two small laps, 1,420m); 2.20pm - u11 girls (two small laps, 1,420m); 2.30pm - u13 boys and girls, u15 girls (one large lap, 2,620m); 2.50pm - u15 boys, u17 women, Short Course (one small lap and one large lap, 3,220m); u17 men, u20 women, senior and veteran women (one small lap and two large laps, 6,000m); 2.51pm - u20, senior and veteran men (four large laps, 10,390m).
Entry fees are £4 for under 18s, £5 for competitors aged 18 and over who are paid up members of an athletics club, and £7 for unattached competitors aged 18 and over. Minimum age in the under-nine age group is seven years on the day. If you have competed in a previous round please bring your race number.
There is a team element to the championships for members of clubs and schools. Four competitors are needed to make up a team in each age group, except under-17s and under-20s (three) and senior men (six). All medals will be presented at the end of season prize presentation on Friday, March 20 at the Claremont Hotel in Douglas.
There is plenty of parking at the course, which will be controlled by marshals. Vehicle drivers are reminded that once the races on the full course take place, marshals will oversee vehicles leaving the site. However runners competing in races will be the priority, and vehicles leaving Ballannette will have to wait for runners to pass. Marshals will ensure you can leave the site but please be patient as the racing comes first.
Refreshments, including hot food and drinks, will be available from the Daily Grind Mobile Food Emporium.
Marshals are still required, if you can help please contact Andy Fox on 626415 or andycfox@outlook.com
Further information is on the cross-country page at www.iomaa.info