Jess Coulson stays on song for GB at European Cross Country Championships

Jess Coulson claimed a comfortable gold as Great Britain and Northern Ireland topped the medal table for the fifth year at the European Cross Country Championships in Budapest yesterday.

Coulson took the honours in the women's Under-23 6km race to register Britain's only individual gold and keep the title in British hands following Emma Pallant's 2011 victory. The Stockport athlete took the win in 20 minutes and 40 seconds, coming home 50 metres clear of the chasing pack.

"This has been a long time coming," the 22-year-old said. "The last time I made a GB team was five years ago. I put it down to my coach, Mick Woods. I enjoyed it out there today, I was even singing to myself on the way around."

"I just felt good. I got going and then didn't stop."