A contingent of around 35 athletes from the Isle of Man head to Witton Park in Blackburn on Saturday for the annual Lancashire Cross Country Championships.

Manx Harriers and Northern AC both have their usual organised trips, while there are also entries from Western AC and Manx Fell Runners athletes.

With entries being available on the day it is not yet certain who will be there, but many of the competitors have pre-entered.

As well as individual honours, there is also the opportunity for team glory in several of the age categories - indeed the team element of cross country is very much to the fore in this event.

Northern AC have a team of four in the under-13 boys’ race, with the same line-up that won the silver medal last year when Sam Perry, Cian Howard, Charlie Teare and Lucas Stennett were in their first year in the age group.

Hopes will be high that they can perhaps go one better if all run well on the day, with the chance of individual medals also.

In the youngest age group, Manx Harriers have a four-strong team in the under-11 girls’ race, with Abi Clayton, Kayleigh-Dee Corrin, Summer Craig and Abi Sinclair all taking part for the first time.

Manx Harriers have teams in both senior races, with the women’s team attempting to extend a wonderful record of six successive victories.

With four counters being needed it will be a tough task, but with Rachael Franklin the hot favourite to land the individual title the team must have a chance.

The men’s team for Manx Harriers requires six counters from the nine athletes entered, with the counters including those in the U20 category.

David Mullarkey will fancy his chances in the under-20s and may well challenge strongly overall.

While Alan Corlett should also go well provided he has recovered from the illness that forced his retirement from the Ribble Valley 10k last weekend.

A feature that adds depth to these championships are the medals in the veteran age groups, and Carly Craig, Gianni Epifani and Andy Watson will all be competitive in their respective categories.

Andy Fox races in the 60 age group for the first time and will hope to add to his medal tally.

With athletes of the calibre of Macy Hillier, Ella Crowe, Ryan Corrin and others in the younger age groups, there are high hopes of a successful day in Blackburn on Saturday.

DAVID GRIFFTIHS