Nikki Slater, a former British cross country international who was running competitively for the first time in seven years, finished runner-up in 1:17:47.

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Whether on the track, road or running cross-country she proved herself in all these disciplines world class.

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"I don't see the logic in running over 12K this weekend as preparation for hopefully running 4K at the World Cross Country, " said Donnelly.

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Other tricks used to win included not running the right number of laps in cross-country races.

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