YORK Knavesmire Harriers runner Lizzie Adams starred at the Gateshead Cross Country Challenge at Gateshead Stadium.

Adams, running for her first claim club Hallamshire Harriers, finished a creditable 19th in 30 minutes 25 seconds on the eight kilometre course, beating ex-Great Britain steeplechaser Tina Brown.

The women’s race was won by Steph Twell, running in a Scotland vest for the first time, clocking 28-25. In the men’s 9km race, Knavesmire’s Kim Critchley ran well to finish 20th in 29-55, and Darren Hendley came 57th in 36-04.

Mike Skinner, running in an England vest, won the £1,100 first prize in 28-14, beating Scottish-based Eritean Tsegai Tewelde. Meanwhile, Adams continued her strong form by winning the third fixture of the senior ladies West Yorkshire Cross Country League in Wakefield.

Adams won by 11 seconds, clocking 18-40 and the Knavesmire women’s team came sixth overall.

Adams was joined by Abey Lawrence (21-12), Amy Ross (23-27) and Zoe Peak (26-19).

A depleted men’s team was led home by Tom Edwards, who was 34th. The men’s team, including Darren Hendley, Giles Hawking, Kev Langan, Luke Westwood and Russ Parkinson, finished seventh.