Athletics: McIlroy and Moon picked for Japan run

Reigning world mountain running champion Kate McIlroy and former champion Melissa Moon spearhead the New Zealand women's team named today for the world cross country championship in Fukuoka, Japan, on April 1.

Jess Ruthe, Nina Rillstone, Mary Davies and Fiona Crombie complete the team for the women's long course championship over 8km.

Lucy Oliver will be New Zealand's sole representative in the junior women's championship over 6km.

Senior women: Fiona Crombie (Canterbury), Mary Davies (Northland, based overseas), Kate McIlroy (Wellington), Melissa Moon (Wellington), Nina Rillstone (Auckland), Jessica Ruthe (North).

Junior men: Tim Hodge (Wellington), Hayden McLaren (Canterbury), Jake Robinson (Hamilton), Shafat Salad (Hamilton).

Junior women: Lucy Oliver (Canterbury).

- NZPA