St Mary’s EPACC Athletes represent Great Britain at European Indoor Championships

Athletes from the Endurance Performance & Coaching Centre (EPACC) at St Mary’s University, Twickenham represented Great Britain at the European Indoor Championships in Prague, Croatia from the 6^th to 8^th March. In Birmingham, EPACC also saw its cross-country athletes compete in the Inter-Counties Championship on the 7^th March. At the European Indoor Championships, EPACC athlete and British Champion Charlie Grice performed well in the first round of the Men’s 1500m, as he won his heat to qualify for the final. In the final he ran a personal best time of 3:39.43 to finish in 5^th place, putting him ahead of the reining European Outdoor Champion Henrik Ingerbrigtsen. In the Women’s 3000m, EPACC athlete Emelia Gorecka performed well in her qualifying heats to reach the final, finishing in 12^th. Her impressive indoor debut season has given her valuable championship experience as she aims for a place at this summer’s World Championships. St Mary’s Alumnus James Bowness also made his major championship debut, competing in the Men’s 800m and EPAAC athlete Paul Pollock represented Ireland, running a personal best time of 7:58.78 in the Men’s 3000m, to finish 10^th in his heat. At the Inter-Counties Cross Country Championship, held at Cofton Park, Birmingham, a number of EPACC athletes competed, hoping to qualify for the World Cross Country Championships. EPACC athlete Lily Partridge won the Gold medal with a three second margin in the Senior Women’s race, followed by EPACC athletes Sarah Astin in 3^rd, Louise Small in 6^th and Georgie Bruinvels in 7^th. In the Senior Men’s race, EPACC athlete Jonny Hay finished 4^th and gained selection the British team; as has Grace Baker, who had a strong run to finish 4^th in the U20 Women’s race. They will be joined by EPACC athlete Amy Griffiths, who has been selected based on her excellent form this season. The World Cross Country Championships will take place in Guiyang, China, at the end of March. EPACC Coach Craig Winrow said, “Another great weekend by EPACC athletes competing on the domestic stage and international stage and excellent news to see three athletes being selected for the World Cross Country championships in a few weeks time.”