Two-time European Cross Country champion Fionnuala Britton (Kilcoole AC) placed fifth in the high quality Cross de l’Acier in France today.
Britton was using the race as part of her preparation for the upcoming European Cross Country Championships in Bulgaria on 14 December.
Britton faced a number of Ethiopian and Kenyan athletes along with the 2013 European Cross Country Champion Sophie Duarte of France.
While Senbere Teferi of Ethiopia strode to victory in a time of 23:33, Britton and Duarte were engaged in a fascinating battle for fourth and fifth place.
Duarte just had enough to hold off Britton to place fourth in a time of 24.01, with the Wicklow athlete only three seconds behind in fifth in a time of 24.04.
It was an encouraging performance by Britton as she will come up against Duarte and host of other top European cross country athletes in two weeks’ time in Bulgaria.
