Longford’s Fiona Gettings produces an outstanding run to win the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International

Fiona led home the entire Masters ladies’ field of 114 athletes in Belfast with runners representing Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

 The recent dry spell meant for good ground conditions at the Billy Neill Country Park venue. This allowed for fast running and played right into Fiona’s hands with a dominant display.

Despite the twists and turns as well as the testing inclines that cross-country brings, Fiona completed the 6000m course in 22 minutes some five seconds clear of Letterkenny’s Claire McGuigan with England’s Kate Rennie placing third. 

Gold medal success made up for consecutive fourth place finishes by Fiona in the F40 category in the previous two years of the event. Winning the race outright, finishing ahead of the F35 athletes as well, made it all more impressive an achievement showing the brilliant form she is in.

Fiona and Claire, along with Raheny’s Kate Purcell, combined to convincingly win Team Gold for Ireland in the F40 category and defend the title won at last year’s race in Glasgow.

A great end to the year for Fiona in the Irish singlet having also enjoyed master’s cross-country successes in 2024 with a gold medal won in Poland at March’s European Championships and a bronze at August’s World Championships in Sweden.