EPACC Athletes to Open 2015 Season at Great Edinburgh Cross Country

Athletes from the Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC) at St Mary’s University, Twickenham will represent Team Great Britain at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country this Saturday (10^th January). With every athlete hoping to get their 2015 season off to a strong start they can expect an exciting race against some of the world’s best athletes. In the Senior Women’s race, Emelia Gorecka will hope to build on her 3^rd place finish in 2014, and is sure to be pushed all the way to the finish by teammate and close rival Lilly Partridge. Georgie Bruinvels is excited to compete this weekend as she pulls on the British vest for the first time. James Hall will also make his debut for Great Britain in the Junior Men’s race whilst in the Junior Women’s race Amy Griffiths will look to build on her excellent 5th place finish in the European Cross Country Championships last November. Michael Callegari has been called into action following the withdrawal of Mo Farah, and knows he has big ‘boots’ to fill when he lines up in the Senior Men’s race. Also competing in the Senior Men’s race will be EPACC athletes Jonny Hay and Luke Caldwell as well as former student Tom Wade. EPACC Performance Coach Mick Woods has been appointed as Great Britain’s team coach for the international fixture. Ahead of the action he said, “The Great Edinburgh Cross is always a good event. I am looking forward to a great day of racing with solid performances from all our athletes.” St Mary’s Director of Sport, Andrew Reid-Smith said, “St Mary’s EPACC runners are well represented on the GB and NI team. It’s great to see so many students and former students involved  - I’m sure they’ll enjoy the opportunity of competing against Europe and the USA and running on the famous Holyrood Park course.” The Great Edinburgh Cross Country will be shown live on BBC One and BBC One HD from 13:00 to 14:35 EPACC representatives for the Great Edinburgh Cross Country on Saturday 10 January 2015: Senior Men Luke Caldwell (EPACC Athlete) Michael Callegari (EPACC Athlete & current student) Jonny Hay (EPACC Athlete) Tom Wade (St Mary’s Graduate) Senior Women Georgie Bruinvels (EPACC Athlete & current student) Emelia Gorecka (EPACC Athlete) Lilly Partridge (EPACC Athlete & current student) Junior Men James Hall (EPACC Athlete & current student) Junior Women Grace Baker (EPACC Athlete) Amy Griffiths (EPACC Athlete & current student)