European Cross Country Championships Preview: Antalya 2024
The 30th European Cross Country Championships will see 566 athletes from 39 nations competing on the scenic course of Dokuma Park in Antalya on Sunday, 8 December. Among the entrants are four reigning European champions from Rome 2024: Jakob Ingebrigtsen (1500m, 5000m), Nadia Battocletti (5000m, 10,000m), Alexis Miellet (3000m steeplechase), and Yeman Crippa (half marathon). Here’s a detailed preview of the action-packed races:
Women’s Senior Race
The women's race promises drama despite the absence of Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal, a three-time champion, who withdrew due to illness.
Italy’s Nadia Battocletti aims to make history by becoming the first athlete to win titles at U20, U23, and senior levels in the championship’s history. Battocletti, who holds national records in the 5000m (14:31.64) and 10,000m (30:43.35), is fresh off dominant performances, including a win in Alcobendas by over a minute against Konstanze Klosterhalfen. The Italian team is bolstered by Ludovica Cavalli and Federica Del Buono, adding depth to their medal hopes.
Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen, a silver medalist in 2022, is back after a strong recovery, highlighted by a 67:07 half marathon in Valencia. She leads a German team that won gold in 2022, joined by Hanna Klein, a European indoor 3000m champion.
Turkey’s Yasemin Can, a four-time European cross country champion (2016–2019), looks to reclaim her dominance, while Great Britain, last year’s team champions, field a strong lineup featuring British champion Kate Axford and bronze medalist Abbie Donnelly.
Men’s Senior Race
Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen headlines the men’s race, seeking his third senior gold after wins in 2021 and 2022. Fresh off a sensational 2024, including a world record in the 3000m (7:17.55) and a European record in the 1500m (3:26.73), Ingebrigtsen leads a Norwegian team featuring his brother Filip and silver medalist Magnus Tuv Myhre.
Spain's Thierry Ndikumwenayo, a 10,000m bronze medalist in Rome, presents a major challenge, alongside teammates Adel Mechaal and Abdessamad Oukhelfen, who finished 7th in 2023. Italy’s Yeman Crippa, a 12-time participant and reigning half marathon champion, is also in the hunt.
Sweden’s Andreas Almgren debuts at this championship, armed with PBs of 12:50.94 (5000m) and 26:52.87 (10,000m), while Belgium defends its 2023 team title with Robin Hendrix and Isaac Kimeli.
Men’s Under-23 Race
Great Britain’s Will Barnicoat, last year’s champion, faces stiff competition from Denmark’s Axel Vang Christensen, a two-time U20 champion, and Ireland’s Nick Griggs, the fastest U23 over 5000m in 2024 (13:13.07). Denmark’s Joel Ibler Lilleso, ranked fourth in Europe, and Austria’s Sebastian Frey also contend.
Women’s Under-23 Race
Finland’s Ilona Mononen leads the field, aiming to follow in the footsteps of Annemari Sandell (1995). Spain’s Angela Viciosa, daughter of 1998 European 5000m champion Isaac Viciosa, and Maria Forero, the 2022 U20 champion, bolster Spain’s chances. Defending champions Great Britain remain formidable, boasting 12 team titles in this category.
Men’s Under-20 Race
Dutch prodigy Niels Laros, last year’s runner-up, seeks redemption after a breakout year that included a world U20 record in the 1000m (2:14.37). Norway’s Andreas Fjeld Halvorsen and Sweden’s Karl Ottfalk offer strong challenges. Great Britain, the most successful team in this category, looks to reclaim dominance.
Women’s Under-20 Race
Reigning champion Innes FitzGerald aims to become the fourth back-to-back winner in history. Denmark’s Sofia Thogersen, a silver medalist in 2023, seeks her first title, while Norway’s Wilma Torbiornsson, who holds national U18 records in the 1500m and 3000m, looks promising.
Mixed Relay
Spain leads the favorites with a stacked lineup including Adrian Ben and Esther Guerrero, while Italy’s team is anchored by record holders Pietro Arese and Sintayehu Vissa. Defending champions France, led by Agathe Guillemot, and three-time winners Great Britain, add to the intrigue.
The stage is set for an electrifying day of competition in Antalya!
