Steph Twell continued her good run of form with a win in the prestigious IAAF International Cross Country in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The nineteen year old ran to victory in a time of 18:25 on the 5.6k course, holding off Ireland’s Deirdre Byrne in a tight sprint finish, emulating the success of British stars, Paula Radcliffe and Liz McColgan. Scotland’s Freya Murray was third, a further seven seconds adrift with USA competitor, Emily Brown finishing in fourth place.

Twell has exceeded expectations since winning her third successive junior women’s European Cross Country Championships title in Brussels to step up to victory in the senior ranks.

Twell said, “I felt strong, I knew she (Byrne) was there, but I knew I had a sprint in me. I really enjoyed it. It was a brilliant circuit with different terrain the whole way round. I’d definitely like to come back.”

Her success has not come easily however it is her passion which drives her on.

She said, “I love racing, I train to race. I think the most important thing is to enjoy your sport.”

Kim Blythe, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

Read our interview with Steph Twell here