The Baltic Sea island of Usedom is almost ready for the arrival of Europe's best cross-country runners as preparations for the European Cross Country Championships next month enter their final phase.
Athletes from 29 countries will get to make their own judgements when they descend on Heringsdorf on the small German island on December 12, with 376 participants taking to the start in the male, female and junior events.
And to ensure the day goes by without a hitch, organisers have scheduled a warm-up race 24 hours prior to the main event with more than 500 children running the official course.
The 150-strong stewarding staff will be there for the trial run, before the eyes of Europe focus on the island the following afternoon with the event screened live throughout the continent.
