East Down AC
By Marguerite Robinson
EAST DOWN AC’s Anna Gardiner, together with seven fellow Irish athletes, Anna Gardiner, travelled to the Serbian capital, Belgrade, to compete in the World Cross Country Championships at the weekend.
Anna’s race was the first race of the day and she lined up with fellow Irish U-20 Kirsty Maher. All eager supporters at home tried to find a streaming channel to watch and support from afar.
The winner was a virtually unknown 15-year-old, Marta Alemayo from Ethiopia, leading home an Ethiopian medal sweep, with Asayech Ayichew and Robe Dida finishing second and third respectively.
Anna came home in 37th in a time of 21.58, delighted to finish in the top half of the field, closely followed by teammate Kirsty in 40th in 22.10. She also was delighted to come ninth in the field of European runners.
Ann explained, “I’m not used to that kind of cross country, but it was absolutely brilliant to get to the start line with some of the most incredible runners in the world, l’m really chuffed with it.”
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