Ross Millington of Stockport Harriers claimed victory in the third event of the British Cross Challenge Series at Sefton Park.

Millington crossed the line in a blistering time of 28:00, four seconds clear of the trio of Nick Goolab, Marc Scott, and local runner Charlie Hulson. In a terrific fight for 2^nd place, the three men were separated by just 2 seconds.

With a win in Liverpool in 2015 already under his belt, Millington started strongly, breaking away from the pack in a 5-man group. Then, in the closing stages he opened up a commanding lead, and was able to acknowledge the sizeable crowd that had gathered, raising his arm aloft as he crossed the line.

The result means Millington is automatically selected to represent the British Athletics team at the European Cross-Country Championships in The Netherlands. He will be joined by 25 other athletes who also qualified for automatic selection from their results at Sefton Park.

Millington, who missed last year’s championships, was delighted to get back to winning ways.

Speaking to UK Athletics, he said; “I really wanted to win here because I’ve had a few really tough years and I wanted it really badly, especially against such a good field.

“It’s been the goal since the summer to make this team and hopefully in two weeks I’ll be ready to roll. This has been the biggest high point for a while because of the injuries I’ve had but I’m really excited to be back in a British vest,” he added.

In a race which was completed by a staggering 624 runners, there were a number of athletes who were representing clubs from the local area.

Mossley Hill AC was one of those local clubs, and after the race we were able to speak to two of their runners.

First, we spoke to Jim Ennis, who finished in 43:47 and has been training with Mossley Hill for the last 18 months. He said; “I could’ve done better, I had a pull in my hamstring, but it’s good to see all the elite runners and how good they are”.

“I was really happy with the conditions, and the set-up is fantastic”.

He was also keen to praise Mossley Hill for his training. “It’s a good club, it got me back into the running, I’m 55 now so it’s keeping me fit and healthy”, he added.

We then spoke to Eammon Cullen, who finished just ahead of Ennis, in 43:12. He said; “I joined [Mossley Hill AC] about 6 months ago, so to be honest I’m quite new to it”.

“I was doing the odd thing, the odd 10km, but nothing like this”.

He was happy to have completed the run, but believed there was room for improvement in his next events.

“I’ve got a few 10 kilometre races at the start of next year, I’m going to try do a half-marathon, and then hopefully a marathon the year after”.

As for the UK Cross Challenge Series, all eyes will be on Ross Millington on the 8^th December in Holland as he tries to replicate his tremendous form from Liverpool on the European Stage.

For us, there will be a special focus on Charlie Hulson, who is Liverpool Harriers’ sole representative in the British squad.

Jim Ennis, 55 year-old runner from Mossley Hill Athletic Club.