Updated at 16.44
IRELAND’S FIONNUALA MCCORMACK finished runner-up in the 6k Great Edinburgh International Cross Country run at Holyrood Park today.
The Wicklow native, who is hoping to make an impact in the marathon at this year’s Rio Olympics, was narrowly beaten by Britain’s Kate Avery.
McCormack’s impressive display comes after she was part of the Irish women’s team who took bronze at the European Cross Country Championships in December.
“I think it’s not a bad place to start,” said McCormack, who finished with a time of 21:13 four seconds behind Avery.
Lizzie Lee (Leevale) came sixth with a time of 21:51 to help the European women’s team secure a victory over Great Britain and the USA.
There was success for Ireland elsewhere too, with a relay team of John Travers (Donore Harriers), Laura Crowe (An Riocht), Eoin Everard (Kilkenny Harriers) and Kerry O’Flaherty (Newcastle) finishing third.
Kevin Mulcaire (Ennis Track) was second with a time of 19:25 in the junior race over 6km behind Britain’s Alex Yee, while Jack O’Leary (Mullingar Harriers) finished sixth with 19:43.
Shona Heaslip (An Riocht) and Peter Lynch (Kilkenny City Harriers) earned individual wins in the development and underage teams, while the U17 men were first, the U17 women were second, the U20 women were second and the U23 men were third.
Britain’s Mo Farah was also surprisingly beaten in the men’s 8k race, as he finished runner-up, two seconds behind Garrett Heath of the US.
It’s a disappointing start to 2016 for Farah, who will be defending his Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 metres titles this summer.
