Edinburgh international cross-country

Helen Sharpe was in cross-country action representing the Scottish Universities team at the Bupa Great Edinburgh International Cross Country at Holyrood Park on Saturday (10th January 2009). Sharpe was the only representative from the University of St Andrews in the race, which also featured the likes of Britain’s Stephanie Twell (three-time European Junior Champion) and Kenya’s Linet Masai (World Cross Country bronze medallist). The race was televised live on BBC1.
Sharpe had an outstanding race, finishing 3rd Scottish University female, in her most testing run to date. Her time of 22 minutes 17 seconds put her in 43rd position in the overall race, finishing just a step behind Great Britain international Maxine Czarnecka.

The women’s race was 5.6 km long, containing two short laps on the playing fields of Holyrood, and two long laps containing the infamous “Haggis Hill”. Race conditions were challenging, with strong sweeping winds.
When she isn’t representing Scottish Universities, Sharpe also runs for Fife AC. The race on Saturday tops an excellent season for Sharpe, who has already taken several local titles, including winning the Tour of Fife and Fife AC Club Cross-Country Championships.
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About the race, Helen said, “I knew it would be very challenging – it’s two steps up from my usual level. It was a good experience racing with such established internationals, and now I am keen to represent St Andrews and Scottish Universities in more races.”