IRELAND’S FIONNUALA MCCORMACK dug deep in the final lap of the Great Edinburgh Cross Country 6k to finish second in Scotland.
European cross-country champion Yasemin Can took the honours in the Scottish capital, with McCormack overtaking Meryem Akda in the closing stages to prevent a Turkey one-two.
Last year, the Irish runner finished fifth and missed out on a medal at the European Cross Country Championships, where the pair stormed to gold and silver respectively.
McCormack openly criticised Can and Akda, questioning the eligibility of the Kenyan-born duo, who have never lived or trained in their adopted country.
“It was tough, but good. I definitely enjoyed myself more than I enjoyed the Euros, partly because of the course and partly because I was feeling better,” McCormack said after today’s race.
“I love it here – I have ran here so often and out on the course it’s like home support there were so many people cheering. It’s such a great atmosphere and a great race to be part of.”
The 32-year-old has a fine record in the race, having finished in the top two for the past six years, winning in 2012 and 2013.
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