Anna Gardiner has run to remember on 18th birthday at World Cross Country Championships

Anna Gardiner (East Down AC) and Kirsty Maher (Moy Valley AC) finished inside the top 40 in the U20 Women’s race at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia today (March 30^th).

In sweltering conditions in the city’s Friendship Park, the Irish duo worked with each other magnificently to optimise their finishing position and were rewarded for doing so, moving up the field well throughout the race.

It will be a particularly memorable day for Gardiner, who also marks a milestone birthday today as she turns 18. The Down teenager crossed the line in 37^th place, just two places ahead of Maher who was 39^th.

2023 national senior cross country champion Fiona Everard (Bandon AC) was the first Irish finisher in the Senior Women’s race. Everard finished in 63^rd while her compatriot Danielle Donegan (Tullamore Harriers AC) earned her first Irish senior vest and battled all the way to the line to cross in 65^th.

U20 Women 6km Results

1. Marta ALEMAYO (ETH) – 19:28
2. Asayech AYICHEW (ETH) – 19:32
3. Robe DIDA (ETH) – 19:38

Irish finishing positions:

• Anna Gardiner (East Down AC) – 37^th – 21:58
• Kirsty Maher (Moy Valley AC) – 39^th – 22:10

Senior Women 10km Results

1. Beatrice CHEBET (KEN) – 31:05
2. Lilian Kasait RENGERUK (KEN) – 31:08
3. Margaret Chelimo KIPKEMBOI (KEN) – 31:09

Irish finishing positions:

• Fiona Everard (Bandon AC) – 63^rd – 36:35
• Danielle Donegan (Tullamore Harriers AC) – 65^th – 37:01