Mud, Sweat and Tears: The thrills and spills of the Liverpool Cross Challenge
The Liverpool Cross Challenge is a staple in every cross-country calendar as it doubles as the European Cross-Country Trials. Saturday 23rd November saw this season’s edition take place in biblical conditions at a treacherous Sefton Park.
What was on the line?
As unrelenting rain poured, the difficulty of the course increased and athletes were filtered down to some of Great Britian’s best. This race came with undeniably high stakes. With the top four (or five juniors) finishers claiming a coveted GB vest, and their spot at the prestigious European Championships, there was a lot on the line.
As cross-country often does, Liverpool provided thrills and spills in the ankle-deep mud. For some, returns were made to the international squad, or debut vests were earned. For others, the chance of European glory was washed away in the rain.
Who took the spoils?
The day began with short course action for the men and women, with the winners confirming their spots on the mixed relay team in Turkey. Josh Lay came out on top, making his return to international competition after a significant stint on the sidelines. He was joined by Maddie Deadman in the women’s event, who bested Holly Dixon by just one second.
Sadly, this meant heartbreak for Callum Elson. Known as The Distance Project on Instagram, the middle-distance man has spent most of 2024 documenting his recovery journey from an Achilles rupture.
The injury was sustained at the World Indoor Athletics Championships due to Elson being caught by a competitor’s spike in the Achilles. Unbelievably, another spike to the heel spelt catastrophe for Elson on what was meant to a fairytale return to international racing.
Long course races proceeded with the under-20s. It was the familiar figure of Innes Fitzgerald who took a commanding win in the women’s race. Fitzgerald was able to better competitor and rival, Jess Bailey. Just two weeks ago, Bailey improved Fitzgerald’s under-20 British Record over 5km as she ran 15:25, but she had to settle for second this time around. The previous record was set just six months ago, in May, when Fitzgerald ran 15:32.
In a change for 2024, the under-23s and seniors started together. The younger age group contested a distance of 5.6km compared to the seniors’ 8km. It was Meg Gadsby that came out on top of the under-23 women’s field. Smart racing from the gun saw her gradually extend her lead in the second half of the final lap, before taking the tape in impressive fashion. The victory gave Gadsby her first GB call-up, an emotional milestone for any athlete.
The same emotions were displayed by Kate Axford. The former international hockey player has dedicated herself to the transition to endurance running. Her reward? The senior women’s Liverpool Cross Challenge title and a spot on the plane for the European Cross for her GB debut.
The current under-23 European Champion, Will Barnicoat, will also return to the championships as he records a second-place finish to David Stone. Barnicoat will be looking to make it three golds on the bounce after success as an under-20 and under-23, in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
Last year’s senior men’s winner, Hugo Milner, had to settle for second this time round. He was bested by Tomer Tarragano. The conditions out on the course in Liverpool favoured Tarragano, who is quickly becoming renowned for his ability to combat the more muddy conditions.
Up next…
The 30th edition of the European Cross-Country will take place on December 8th in Antalya, Turkey. A 40-strong team will travel with the belief that they can add to Great Britain’s rich history at the event.
The full GB squad travelling to can be seen here.
