Claire hoping for good end to her cross country season

Claire Hallissey will be looking to end her cross country season with a flourish at the McCain World Trials and Inter-Counties Championships in Birmingham tomorrow.

While the Bristol & West AC runner has forged her reputation through her exploits on the road and track, Hallissey has also made huge strides in cross country events.

Her highlights this winter include a bronze medal in the British Students Championships, silver in the Midlands Championships and a hard-earned 10th place in the English Championships.

The prize of winning a place in the British team for the World Cross Country Championships, plus the substantial prize money on offer in the finale of the McCain Challenge, will ensure a strong field lines up in Cofton Park –but Hallissey is relishing the challenge.

"I'd love to finish in the top 10, but I expect the competition will be even tougher than at Leeds for the national," she said.

Twelve months ago, Hallissey was 31st, so finishing in the top 10 would represent a remarkable achievement and be a great indicator of what she might achieve this summer. She is running well and, on Wednesday, clocked the second fastest time in the Teddy Hall road relays, in Oxford, as she joined Imogen Ainsworth and Erica Golland in helping Bristol University retain their title for a third successive year.

In the senior men's race, Hallissey's club-mate Tom Russell will be looking to follow up his sixth in the national championships and finish in the top 10.

● Yate & District AC sprinter Jamie Brock, who is coached by Graham Howell, will run the 60m at the British Students' Indoor Championships, in Sheffield, this weekend, while Steve Mitchell and Imogen Ainsworth go in the 3,000m.

Teh Kuok Yuen is among the entries for the sixth Hogweed Hilly half marathon from Horton Village Hall (10.30am) on Sunday. Yuen won the race two years ago and has since spent a year studying in America.

Over 200 entries have already been received for the popular which is not designed for a PB but has plenty of other things on offer.

"We do expect a record field of 350 runners and will take entries on the day," said race spokesman Bob Bell of Hogweed Trotters.

For further details see the race website at: www.hogweedtrotters.co.uk

The Athletic Union at Bristol University has opted to throw open entries to its 5k race at Coombe Dingle on Sunday to local runners .

The women's race starts at 2:30pm with the men an hour later and chip timing will be provided. Entries cost £5, with all proceeds donated to charity and for further details email AJ White at: a.white@bristol.ac.uk

The next Weston Prom 5 miles road race will be held on Thursday (7.30pm/March 18) with registration at the Pavilion Bar on the sea front.