![Universities challenged](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10190/410946/5e3d0e3c71a6d/Universities-challenged.jpeg)
EDINBURGH’S Holyrood Park is a place synonymous with cross country achievement, what with it having been host to the world championships in 2008 and, until recently, the venue for the annual Great Edinburgh Cross Country International.
Another chapter in that rich history was written when the BUCS championships returned to Scotland for the first time since 2014.
Boosted by the inclusion of a fourth event to the programme - the women’s short race was added to the established format of a men’s short race plus the women’s and men’s longer ‘A’ races - almost 1700 athletes competed in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat in the Scottish capital.
Given the renowned stage, however, it was perhaps no surprise that those with extensive international experience ultimately stood out in what were cold and very windy conditions.
St Mary’s student Anna Emilie Møller dominated the women’s long race, while Solent’s Mahamed Mahamed did likewise in the men’s equivalent.
Joe Wigfield was another St Mary’s winner in the men’s short race while Grace Carson of Loughborough was the first victor of the day, in the women’s 6km contest.
Loughborough took three of the four-team titles on offer, with St Mary’s thwarting their ambitions of a clean sweep by taking the men’s long race honours. These model students definitely get pass marks.
Men’s long race
Mahamed Mahamed ran like a man who didn’t want to waste any time. Realising he had badly ripped his left shoe not long after the starting gun had fired, the Solent University athlete wasn’t entirely sure if, or for how long, his chosen tools for the day would hold out.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Carbon Footprint](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e9879946ea05/crp_Carbon-Footprint.jpg)
Carbon Footprint
You'd have had to have been running on a different planet to miss all the recent debate about carbon-plated shoes. The talk of bans and performance enhancement has been so widespread that even non-runners are asking their running friends about the potentially magical footwear.
Trail time
WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.
![Stay neutral](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e987de3ac26f/crp_Stay-neutral.jpg)
Stay neutral
EVOLVING every year, if not month, neutral cushioned shoes are seeing developments in cushioning materials and dynamics at a pace which is nothing short of astonishing. The latest models feature new polymers in the midsoles to give them a cushioned feel while at the same time keeping their weight to a minimum. Give them a spin and choose the most comfortable for mile after mile of shock absorbing running.
![Support network](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e988047bef5f/crp_Support-network.jpg)
Support network
WHEN it comes to ‘over-pronation’, a common question is ‘how much is over?’. With no hard and fast rules, it’s best to choose a shoe that instinctively feels right. Gait analysis can often assist in helping you make this choice and your specialist running store is always a good place to start if in doubt. To help you make that choice, here’s a selection of some of the best ‘support’ shoes around.
![Need for speed](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e98817863f44/crp_Need-for-speed.jpg)
Need for speed
THE racing shoe segment of the market is becoming somewhat split. This is partially due to the rise of carbon-plated footwear but also the fact that many shoes are becoming much lighter. Here we take a look at some of the leading contenders to toe the line in.
Gadget show
WITH technological products to enhance every area of life, running is now no different. From headphones to treadmills, the devices to aid performance and recovery are endless. Here we take a look at some of the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance your training.
![What's in a shoe?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e986f5b007e4/crp_Whats-in-ashoe.jpg)
What's in a shoe?
We bust some of the jargon around footwear
![How To Prime Your Immunity](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e7cbb7cbbe9c/crp_How-to-prime-your-immunity.jpg)
How To Prime Your Immunity
Taking steps to shore your body’s defences has never been more important. Here’s how to do it, says Peta Bee
![English Schools Survival At Stake](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/428266/5e734ea4c0928/crp_English-Schools-survival-at-stake.jpg)
English Schools Survival At Stake
Covid-19 could lead to ESAA losing thousands this summer
![Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/428266/5e734d7d28518/crp_Athletics-events-are-wiped-out.jpg)
Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out
Unprecedented calendar changes due to Covid-19