YOUNG Warrington athlete Kate Brennan has been rewarded for an outstanding cross country season.

The 17-year-old from Warrington Athletics Club was named the North of England's most improved cross country athlete in her age group at the weekend.

She was awarded the title after strong performances enabled her to win the Cheshire Championships, come second in the North of England Championships and third in the televised Nike International last winter.

And the success spurred her on to a great start in the new winter season as she beat off stiff competition from Sale, Manchester and Oldham club runners to win the North West Women's League first round race at Manchester on Sunday.

Now her sights are set on improving on last year's success at the Nike International in December with the national championships and the North of England Championships at the start of next year.

Kate said: "I was totally surprised to win the award because I had not heard of it before but it is nice to be recognised for all the hard work I have put in."

"I missed out on the national championships last year through glandular fever and I was really disappointed so this makes up for it."

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