Next weekend's British Milers' Club Cross Country Championships is shaping up to be an exciting day of athletics on the Bristol Downs.

The senior men's race, in particular, is looking very strong, with Bristol & West AC's Tom Russell facing a real challenge to his hope of claiming his third successive victory.

"It is going to be tough for Tom because we have Ben Tickner, Ryan McLeod and Kevin Heywood also entered," said race director Nick Rose.

The former Olympian has taken over the race organisation this year and has worked hard to attract a big entry to mark the 50th anniversary of the Mike Sully Trophy for men and also the Gemma Butler Bowl for women.

"The combined Under-20/17 women's race is brewing up to be a really good little race," added Rose. "Newham & Essex Beagles are sending a strong team, there is Laura Parker, Catherine Blew and Melissa Courtney plus our own Ellie Wimshurst."

The popular meeting, held over a fast multi-lap course that is ideal for spectators, offers races from under-11s to seniors, and Rose has worked hard to beef up the latter age group.

"We have £300 worth of sporting goods from Up & Running for the Primary Schools race and every finisher will get a certificate," said Rose.

"Last year we had 114 finishers and this year I am hoping to beat that. Already the Gwent League has promised to send over a team, so it should be a good race."

For the first time the event is also featuring a Mob Match for local clubs.

"Thanks to a grant from the Avon Athletics Association it will be a free entry for local clubs with 10 to score, men or women, for the overall result," said spokesman Mike Down.

Runners can turn up on the day to run the 4k course but clubs must register their interest beforehand with organiser Jon Goodland either by email at jon.goodland@axa-tech.com or on 07977 918764. Great Western Runners and Hogweed Trotters have already pledged their support.

To enter any of the open races, visit www.britishmilersclub.com or www.bristolandwestac.org.uk

Clevedon AC's Julian Emery is on international duty this weekend, representing England in the British Masters Cross Country Championships in Birmingham.

It is the second successive year that Emery has run for England, but he admits that his aims are slightly lower than 12 months ago.

"I'm not that fit this time due to a foot injury in the summer and I have only competed once in a duathlon, but I'll give it my best shot," said Emery.

The Bristol & West AC pair of Phil Parry (M45) and Helen Fines (W35) are also competing for England, but Westbury Harrier Pat Gallagher has been forced to withdraw from the Wales squad after suffering an attack of asthma in the Gwent League last weekend.

The South Gloucestershire Schools' Cross Country Championships will be staged at Blaise Castle next Tuesday (1.30pm).

Both the Bristol Schools' and North Somerset Schools' Championships are held the following day at Bristol Grammar School (2pm) and Blaise Castle (2pm) respectively, with the Bath & North East Somerset Schools' on Thursday (1.30pm) at Kingswood School.

The winner of the Easy Runner athlete of the month for October will be revealed in today's Evening Post, and we will feature a new book on some great running routes in and around Bristol.