Where?Santa BrígidaGran Canaria

Junior Girls - 3,500m (under 15)

Junior Boys - 4,200m (under 15)

Intermediate Girls - 3,500m (under 17)

Intermediate Boys - 4,800m (under 17)

Senior Girls - 3,500m (under 19)

Senior Boys - 6,500m (under 19)

Junior - 13,14 and under 15 years of age on 31st July 2014

Inter - 15,16 and under 17 years of age on 31st July 2014

Senior - 17,18 and under 19 years of age on 31st July 2014

Requirement of 5 - 6 athletes per team with 4 to score.

Individual athletes can also compete for their schools.

15 - 23 of February 2014

an international gathering

of top athletes and top minds

inspirational students and teachers

taking part in this unique event

of sport and environment

Haile GebrselassieDouble Olympic Gold, 9 Times World Champion, 27 World Records…

The list is endless...one of the greatest distance runners in history

“Cross country for me was very important. As you know my career started in 1991 at the World Junior Cross Championships in Antwerp where I finished 8th. After I returned several times and won medals at the World Cross Championships. I believe it is a great way to build a good base in training for athletes from various distances from middle distance on the track to long distance on the roads. It’s simply unique and brings people from various disciplines together. The initiative having the ESCCO is fantastic and I believe this is a way to inspire and motivate the next generation in Europe! “

Photo Courtesy of ©DanVernonPhotography & Pete Riley

‘’From school kid National Cross Country champion in 1987 to World Cross Country champion 1998..... Takes years of work, persistence and dedication to get from a good junior athlete to best in the world.’’

Sonia O’Sullivan

Sonia O’SullivanDouble World CC Champion - 4km & 8km 1998

Multi World & European Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist

‘’The European Schools Cross Country Open is a great initiative to encourage and give school kids another level of competition to aim for beyond their own country. To have the opportunity to run against and meet school children from across Europe will not only promote healthy competition across borders but also give school children the opportunity to explore new cultures and language development that they may be studying at school.I would like to wish ESCCO every success in getting this initiative off the ground and running in 2014 and hope that you receive the support required to move forward and create a competitive and cultural experience for secondary school children across Europe to enjoy and look forward to each year. ‘’

Jon BrownEuropean Cross Country Champion 1996

Twice 4th place in Olympic Games Marathon 2000 & 2004

‘’The young athlete pathway should be exciting and with incentives for kids to raise their abilities higher. I think the concept of an European Schools Cross Country event would be a great incentive to maintain a young athletes enthusiasm and passion for their sport, and an opportunity to test themselves against the very best of the same age in Europe. Giving young talent the means to develop through a European championship will inspire them to think on a bigger scale and become future champions.”

”I believe the European Schools Cross Country Open is a fantastic idea to give school going children the opportunity to compete against schools from other countries. It will give young people the incentive to train knowing that they have a big event like this to focus on and the experience they will gain will be invaluable. I have no doubt this event will be a huge success and I want to wish the organisers and competitors all the best. I wish I was 16 years old again.”

Catherina McKiernan - Cross Country LegendEuropean CC Champion, 4 times silver World CC,

4 times winner IAAF World Cross Challenge

'What a great event! Really encouraging for young athletes to get a feel for competing away from home. We need something to keep young athletes motivated and inspired to stay in this sport. London 2012 was a great event - providing us with lots of great male and female role models. This event is much needed as there is a gap between school level running and the next level up. It is also important to remember that its not all about the winning, you firstly need to gain a lot of experience and enjoyment in different races to then become a winner! Great training camps with thought out scheduled days which include structured training, gaining valuable tips from experienced athletes and of course a lot of fun! I can really see this event being extremely successful in widening the involvement of young boys and girls and helping new champions develop. Good luck!!'

Hayley Yelling - Double European CC ChampionMulti British national Champion - 5km, 10km & Cross Country

Becky LyneEuropean Bronze Medalist 800m, Gothenburg 2006

3rd Fastest 800m( 1:58:20) All Time UK List

"I was incredibly fortunate in my career as an athlete to travel to some great places and to meet many amazing people that have enriched my life in so many ways. And so it is just wonderful to see that such a dedicated, knowledgeable, passionate and friendly (to humans and the environment!) team has created this incredible opportunity for aspiring young athletes across Europe to train, learn and compete together. I have no doubt that those that attend will emerge better prepared for the world of athletics; stronger both mentally and physically. And I also have no doubt that it will be lots of fun, with many enduring friendships made along the way.I cannot urge you enough to seize the chance to be part of this fantastic venture - and adventure!Good luck to the ESCCO Team. Keep up all your great work."

All information found on official websitewww.escco.es

For more information please contact us by phone or e-mail.

andrew@escco.esmaria@escco.esinfo@escco.es

+34 928 644 350 +34 607 992 006

andrew.walker.pwwtgcwww.professionalwarmweathertraining.com