Yelling wins national title again

Yelling got the better of Kent's European junior champion over the tough eight kilometre course despite bad weather and problems with her footwear.

Yelling eventually sprinted away from Dale with 500m to go and hung on to win in 28 minutes, six seconds.

Dale was six seconds behind with 2004's winner Kathy Butler third in 28.24.

As well as Dale's ever-improving form, Yelling had to contend with trouble with her racing shoes.

"My shoelaces came undone on the first hill - how bad is that?" said the Middlesex runner.

I decided I would stop if either shoe came off - but I managed to hang on to them Hayley Yelling

"I decided I would stop if either shoe came off. They kept plopping out of my heels in the thickest mud - but I managed to hang on to them."

In the men's race on Sunday, Glynn Tromans romped to a record fifth victory - making him the most successful athlete in the 80-year history of the Inter-Counties.

The 35-year-old, who is set to compete in his ninth successive World Cross-Country Championships on March 20, said of the gruelling 12km challenge: "That was hard work."

And he strongly hinted he would not return to defend his title.

"I felt the pressure a little bit. But I've done it now - got my fifth win. That'll do!" he added.

Meanwhile, Andy Caine's second place finish guarantees him a Great Britain debut at the forthcoming worlds in St Galmier, France.

Kathy Butler's performance was also good enough to see her qualify, but the team will not be finalised until Tuesday and, for the women, much depends on whether Paula Radcliffe decides to compete.