A 15-strong contingent of Isle of Man athletes represented Lancashire at the Inter-Counties Cross-Country Championships on Saturday.

The annual event was held on a mudbath of a course at Prestwold Hall near Loughborough.

This was the largest-ever Manx representation at the event, covering every age group from under-13s to seniors.

The standout results for the Manx contingent were Sarah Astin finishing eighth in the senior women’s race and Ollie Lockley 18th in the senior men’s - both in high quality fields.

The senior athletes played a full part in team successes as Lancashire were the silver medallists in both the senior women’s and senior men’s races, and the men’s team won the nine-man event.

Every one of the local athletes ran with total commitment, and the four county debutees - Alice Cashin, Holly Burgess, Macy Hillier and Mairi Harrison - all acquitted themselves extremely well.

A full report with photos will appear in this week’s edition of the Manx Independent.

Spring handicap walk

and run this thursday

The ’Never Give Up’ Spring Handicap 5km race walk and 10km road run takes place this Thursday round the NSC perimeter roadway.

The walk starts at 6.30pm and the run at 7.15pm. Entry fees are free to IoM Veteran Athletes’ Club members.

10km manx race walking championships

The Manx 10km senior and younger age group championships take place this Sunday, March 18.

This will also be held on the NSC perimeter roadway with a start time of 10am.

Check-in will be from 9am to 9.45am. Entry on the day. Events are open to all age groups from under-nine upwards and all athletes will be made welcome.

CROSS-COUNTRY

PRESENTATIONS

The 2017-2018 Isle of Man Cross-Country League and 2018 championship presentations, both sponsored by Microgaming, take place on Friday, March 23 at the Claremont Hotel, Loch Prom, Douglas, from 7pm.