Fionnuala Britton will take to the cross country course at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships in Bulgaria looking to improve on last year's fourth place and knowing exactly what it takes to win.

Britton will be looking to claim a third title in four years but after finishing just outside the podium places in 2013, getting back into the medal positions would be a welcome result. The Wicklow runner was also fourth in 2011.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, she said: “I’ve been fourth and then I was first twice and then I was fourth again so I haven’t been on the podium unless it was the best place to be."

The event has attracted a strong field with defending champion Sophie Duarte of France, and England’s Gemma Steel among the main threats. Several naturalised runners born outside Europe are expected to contend on the challenging course.

Britton said: “Sophie is back again and she is obviously going to try and defend the way I tried to as well. You have Gemma Steel who is running well and at least three Ethiopians in the race as well.

"There are individuals from a lot of different countries that don’t have very strong teams and it is easier to focus on your own performance."

Fionnuala Britton



But Britton is confident she has done what she can in terms of preparation and as a previous winner will at least know what is required.

“There is not much else I can do in training or anything. A lot of it is in the head. I have to believe that I will just go out there and perform and do my absolute best. I know what it is like to win and I know I would love to do that again. But I also know how hard it is. All I can do is my best.”

The performance of the Irish women’s team is also a priority for the Wicklow runner. Champions in 2012, they finished sixth last year.

Britton added: “I want to improve on last year and as a team we would like to run well and perform well. The team element of cross country is a big thing. It’s nice to run with a group of girls who will work for something.”

Live coverage of the 2014 European Cross-Country Championships on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ.ie from 10.55am on Sunday, 14 December.