FORMER Radley runner Hatti Dean booked her place in the European Cross Country Championships after finishing second in Saturday’s McCain UK Liverpool Cross Challenge and Euro trials.

The senior women’s 8.1km race was won by Louise Damen, who finished 14 seconds clear of Dean in 26mins 32secs on her return to competitive action after a two-year absence.

But Dean was delighted with her performance, having always targeted the European Championships as her next big event.

Helen Clitheroe took the early lead, before Dean moved to the front on the penultimate lap with Damen coming through into second.

The Winchester athlete overhauled Dean on the last lap, opening up a signficant gap by the finish line.

Although Dean was looking to win the event, she was satisfied with her performance, and says she can’t wait for the European Championships in Albufeira, Portugal on December 12.

“It was always my aim to qualify for the Europeans,” she said. “Of course it would have been nice to win the race, but Louise ran really well.

“It was very cold, but it was a fast race. It was quite a pleasant race to run in to be honest.

“I think I may have gone a little bit too soon with about three kilometres to go, and I didn’t have as much left in the tank as I needed, so Louise managed to get past me.”

Dean, who opted to miss the Delhi Commonwealth Games to focus on the winter cross country season, says she is honoured to be representing Great Britain once again.

“It’s always pretty special,” she said. “To represent your country and to wear the GB vest is fantastic.

“The injury is all under control, and I would really like to make the top six at least in Portugal.

“I really enjoy the European Championships, and if I can keep clear of injury, I really hope to do well.”