Kinloss’ Macfadyen saving her energy for Great Britain team trial

Great Britain junior international Anna Macfadyen (Forres Harriers) is not expected to compete in the women’s race of the North District Cross-Country League meeting at Nairn tomorrow despite winning the opening match at Keith.

The Kinloss athlete, who is now studying at Edinburgh University, is taking a break after winning the Scottish under-20 short course title at Kirkcaldy last weekend where she finished fourth overall in the senior race won by Olympian Laura Muir.

Macfadyen is saving herself for a trip to Liverpool next week- end where she will compete in the Great Britain team trial for December’s European crosscountry championships.

In her absence, Gemma Cormack (Inverness Harriers) appears to be favourite, although Skye half marathon champion Iona Craft (Moray Road Runners) should also do well if she chooses to take part.

Scotland junior international Grace Whelan (Moray Road Runners) will be favourite to notch a second win in the under-17 girls’ league, although Emily Andrew (Inverness Harriers) should be snapping at her heels. Isla Kelly (Inverness Harriers) will look to extend her lead in the under-15s competition but faces opposition from Ellyn Smith (Moray Road Runners) and Alyth Gollan (East Sutherland).

Zoe Sharpe (Inverness Harriers) tops the under-13 division but she can expect another strong challenge from Katie Slimon (Highland Hill Runners) and Anya Morrison (East Sutherland). Kirstin Burnett (Inverness Harriers) will look to keep her lead in the under-11 division ahead of Brooklyn Dunn (Ross County) and Mica McCloud (Moray Road Runners).