Farah Leads But Europe Wins International XC Race

Galen Rupp took second in the race.

In other action at the talent-rich Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross-Country Race last Saturday, Mo Farah of Great Britain was the first runner across the line in the men’s International Team Challenge. Despite Farah’s victory in the 8.2K event, his British team had to settle for third. The European contingent led by Ukrainian cross-country ace Serhiy Lebid won the inaugural race, while the United States, led by Galen Rupp, came in second.

Mo Farah, the double European 5,000m and 10,000m champion was pleased with his showing on Saturday.

“Last year I didn’t have such a good time here,” he said. “This time I felt really good.”

Over the Christmas break, Farah had been training at altitude in Iten, Kenya and attributes that to his success in Scotland. He is now heading to Albuquerque, New Mexico for more altitude work and to train with Alberto Salazar’s athletes. “Salazar’s a great coach,” Farah said. “Kenya has worked out well for me but it will be nice to try something different. I’m going to the U.S. to check it out. Salazar’s got a good group in Alburquerque. Paula [Radcliffe] goes there a lot.”

For More: Independent UK