EUROPEAN CROSS COUNTRY champion Fionnuala Britton has withdrawn from this week’s SPAR Great Ireland Run, it was announced this morning.
The Kilcoole AC runner has had an extremely busy but successful 12 months – since competing at London 2012, she has gone on to retain her European crown, won gold with the Ireland Women’s team, recorded victories in Edinburgh and Antrim and earned a bronze medal at the European Indoors.
After equalling her previous best finish by taking 14th and coming 5th with the Irish Women’s cross-country team at the World Cross Country Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland earlier this month, however, the 28-year-old believes she needs a rest.
After consultations with her coach, she has decided that a very competitive road 10k at this time could adversely affect her preparations for the forthcoming track season and she has regretfully decided not to compete,” a statement released today reads.
Britton’s European Championships gold medal team-mates Linda Byrne, Ava Hutchinson and Lizzie will compete in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, as will defending champion Gemma Steel of Great Britain.
