‘ I’ve surprised myself’: Crowe wants crack at worlds
JAMIE CROWE will plead for a shot at the world cross- country championships after winning a leg of the British Challenge series in only his second race in barely a year.
The Dundee- based runner, 27, took victory in Perth – and the Scottish Inter- Districts title – ahead of ex- Hawkhill Harrier Kris Jones, just a week after his comeback from a longterm injury that left him unable to train for a full four months.
It was a tough grind with a lot of patience needed to get back, the GB& NI international admitted.
But March’s world cross in Australia and the European club championships ahead, proving his fitness could open doors.
“I’ve surprised myself,” he said.
“I’ve done some consistent training. But I didn’t know how I fit I was. It’s a good course. It’s 25 minutes down the road from me. I’ve done the race here three times and managed to get three victories so I’m happy with that.
“It’s an exciting few weeks with how fit I am. With world cross, I’m not sure of selection but I’d be happy to go. Euros clubs would be good with a trip to Spain. But nationals is a big thing for me this season, trying to get three in a row.
Euro Cross silver medallist Megan Keith won the women’s race while Giffnock prospect Craig Shennan took the Under- 17 win.
Elsewhere, Andy Butchart avoided a horrific pile- up at the start of Sunday’s Valencia 10k to finish 19th in 28 minutes and 7 seconds.
The double Olympian was just over two minutes adrift of Kenyan race winner Weldon Langat but competitors were caught up in a stampede that saw hundreds of participants trampled on.
“Not sure who is at fault but this shouldn’t be happening,” the Scot said.
Meanwhile young prospect Reuben Nairne produced the third- highest pole vault by a Scot of all time by clearing 5.32m at the Loughborough Indoor Open.