Marella Whitfield has confirmed her qualification for the UK Inter County Cross Country Championship by winning first place at the Hertfordshire event.

The talented runner defended her title in the under-13 age group at Stevenage on Sunday having won the same event last year. The teenager who runs for Harrow AC completed the 2.9 kilometre course in a time of 10.45, 23 seconds ahead of second place.

The Loreto College student will now travel to Birmingham on March 10 to compete against other counties where she is optimistic of success.

However, Whitfield will be looking to continue her recent form at her next race at Slough this Saturday.