McCrae picked for International

The fixture, which traditionally closes the cross-country season, is on Saturday (March 25) at Margam Park, Port Talbot, and brings together athletes from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and select teams representing England North, England Midlands and England South.

McCrae, who is studying geography at Birmingham University, is a member of Nene Valley Harriers and a former pupil at Bourne Grammar School.

His selection rounds off another fine year which saw him finish fifth in the Midlands Championships, 39th at the English Nationals and make the step up to the Birmingham University A Team at the British Universities Championships.

Now in his second year of study his athletic progress has been overseen by nationally respected endurance coach Bud Baldaro who also oversees an elite squad of runners operating out of the University.

McCrae, who turns 20 in April, will be competing in his final race as a junior athlete before stepping up to the senior ranks on the track later this year and for cross-country next year.

Thrilled at his selection McCrae said: “It’s a great way to finish both my season and my junior athletics career.

“It is terrific to be recognised within my region and to get the chance to compete against some of the best athletes in the UK in an international fixture.

“I should pay tribute to the coaching teams at Birmingham University and my club Nene Valley who have given me a lot of support.”