The top junior and senior cross country runners will battle for titles when the Bermuda National Athletics Association holds its National Cross Country Championships at Astwood Park on Saturday.

Action will begin at 8.30am with the under-10 race, which will be followed by the under-12, under-14, under-20, Open, Masters, Senior Masters and 60-plus age groups.

“We are hoping to see some of the athletes in the under-17 and under-20 divisions who will be vying for a spot-on the Carifta team, as there have been some close finishes,” said Donna Raynor, the BNAA president.

Some of the top male juniors include Quincy Kuzyk, Johndel Cumberbatch and Ryan Outerbridge in the under-17, and Tommy Marshall in the under-14. The leading contenders among the girls include Jade Johnston in the under-14, and Jessie Marshall and Ashley Irby in the under-17. The Open men’s pair of Chayce Smith and Sean Trott have shown impressive form in the series while Gayle Lindsay will be a favourite in the women’s race.

“There were some good races in the younger age groups in the KPMG Front Street Mile and I’ve no doubt they will be battling it out at the championships,” Raynor said. “Of course, the Masters to 60-plus always provide some good competition as well.” The prize presentation will be held after the last race, with Sports Minister Zane DeSilva presenting the awards.