Bristol & West AC runner Richard Peters makes his England cross country junior debut this weekend in the prestigious Euro Cross Challenge in Brussels.

The last big event of the year always attracts a top-class field, and Peters is included in a strong England squad as reward for his recent performance in the European trials.

"I have heard it is a big race and there will be huge crowds so I'm looking forward to it," said Peters.

"The Belgians in particular are very strong in the junior section at the moment, so it is sure to be a tough race. Hopefully the ground will be good and not too muddy!"

That statement is made with some feeling by 19-year-old Peters. In his last race, the Avon Championships, he lost his shoe three times in the heavy mud and was left a very frustrated athlete.

"I will definitely tape my spikes on this weekend to make sure they don't come off again," added Peters, who received the event winner's medal this week. Club-mate Tim Wallis had actually crossed the line first, but because he had not entered the Avon Championships, Peters took the gold.

No medals will be on offer in Sunday's race but there is a substantial prize list and also a lot of kudos if Peters can do well and make the top 10. He added: "Hopefully we will have some frost and the ground will be hard because that will suit me. I'm really looking forward to the race and hopefully it will go well."

The last weekend before Christmas is always quiet and the only local events of note are in Somerset.

In Burnham-on-Sea there is a four-mile race on Sunday (10.30am) from the leisure centre. For further details see www.bospool.com.

A little further afield is the 25th Wellington Monument 6.27-mile multi-terrain event, which includes a tough climb to the monument.

Entries will be taken on the day as long as the limit has not been reached. For further information see www.wellingtonmonumentrace.co.uk.

Finally, congratulations to Bristol & West AC runners Jon Wills and Charlie Coffey, who are getting married tomorrow.