Top athletes and teams from across Ulster and beyond are set to descend on the Lakeland County next Saturday, February 8, to battle for honours at the inaugural Fermanagh Cross Country, part of the Athletics NI Cross-Country League.

Organised by Enniskillen Running Club, in association with Fermanagh District Council & Athletics NI, the event promises a packed programme of juvenile and senior competition all held within the scenic setting of Necarne Estate in Irvinestown.

As the penultimate fixture in the 2013/14 Athletics NI Cross Country League, points gained over the hills of Necarne will be crucial in deciding the outcome of the title, and so both senior races are guaranteed to feature ferocious team battles.

Proceedings will kick off from 12 noon with the under 14 and under 16 boys/girls races which are likely to star a host of promising athletes from the west of the province, including athletes from St Michael’s Grammar School, Omagh Harriers and Sligo AC.

Directly following the juvenile races at 1pm, will be the Open/Masters Ladies race which will take in three 1.5km loops of the scenic undulating course. Springwell ladies will be looking to consolidate their lead at the top of the Athletics NI Cross Country League and will field a strong team spearheaded by NI Senior Cross Country Champion Eimear Mullan.

However, they will face a stern challenge from an Omagh Harriers team recently crowned NI and Ulster Junior/Intermediate Cross Country champions led by Michelle Sturm who claimed the individual NI/Ulster intermediate title in Lurgan last week.

Another provincial champion set to take part is Foyle Valley’s Sarah Lindsay, who won the NI/Ulster Novice Cross Country last November. Other leading ladies will include Danielle Fegan (Armagh AC), Julie Butler (Omagh Harriers) and Denise Toner (Clones AC) should she be fully recovered from an ankle injury.

The final race of the day will be the Open/Masters Mens race at 1.45pm, encompassing five loops of the course bringing the distance to 7.5km.

Stephen Duncan (Omagh Harriers) is likely to head the field following his successful comeback from injury last weekend to claim the NI/Ulster Masters Cross Country title. However, he will be tested severely by Declan Reed (City of Derry Spartans) who himself is showing return to form following an injury-troubled winter.

Whilst City of Derry Spartans hold a comprehensive lead in the Athletics NI Cross-Country league team standings, they will face a strong challenge on the day from Foyle Valley led by team captain Scott Rankin, as well as teams representing Springwell AC and Finn Valley. Local athletes Conán McCaughey and Stephen Prentice both of Enniskillen Running Club will also be amongst the faces at the front of the pack, as well as Glenn Phair (Annadale) and Conor Duffy (Glaslough AC).

Race Director for the Fermanagh Cross Country, David Somerville: “It’s an honour for our Club to bring this event to Fermanagh and to the Necarne Castle Estate, a natural arena providing the perfect venue for cross country running. On behalf of the organising committee, I’d like to thank our trophy sponsor Belleek Living. It’s fantastic to have the iconic Fermanagh brand supporting us in hosting this event”.

Stephen Clawson, Enniskillen Running Club Chairman added: “We are delighted to host this ANI Cross Country League event for the first time in County Fermanagh and would like to thank Fermanagh District Council and CAFRE for the excellent facilities and assistance that they have kindly provided. Also a huge thanks to all the members of ERC who have helped to make this event possible.” Registration on the day will take place at the Bawnacre Sports Centre from 10:30am and all competitors are advised to register as early as possible. Juvenile entry will cost £3 and for senior entry the cost will be £5.

Whether you are a competitive club runner or a fun runner, the Fermanagh Cross Country is suitable for all abilities. Showers, changing facilities and hot food and refreshments are being very kindly catered for by the Bawnacre Sports Centre.

The Necarne Castle venue provides an excellent standing for spectators to witness the inaugural Fermanagh Cross Country and everyone will be made most welcome with the first race getting underway at 12 noon.