Elena Burkard won a double gold at the German Cross-Country Championship

German runner Elena Burkard sealed her gold double by winning the women’s national long distance title on the second day of the German cross-country championships in Darmstadt.

The 33-year-old athlete, who also triumphed in the middle distance (3.8km) on Saturday, proved she is in excellent form two weeks ahead of the European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, Portugal.

On the muddy 7.5km course in the Burgerpark, Elena Burkard made a late charge to beat European 10km silver medalist Eva Dieterich, while Pia Schlattmann finished third, also securing the women’s under-23 title.

Commenting on the tough conditions, Elena Burkard said: “The feeling of running was completely different from yesterday… but overall I am better in the long distances. I actually like it when it rains.”

Konstanze Klosterhalfen, who won silver at last year’s European Cross Country Championships in Antalya, was initially entered but did not start, while two-time European Cross Country bronze medalist Alina Re finished in 7th place.

In the men’s 7.5km race, Markus Gorger achieved a convincing third consecutive national cross country title. After catching up with early leader Nick Jager, he gradually built up a decisive lead to win, with Nick Jager taking silver and Felix Friedrich surprising many by securing bronze.

“I knew Nick was my main competitor”, said Markus Gorger. “I was a bit slow at the start and had to catch up first. I knew that if I attacked Nick, I had to pass him with all my might, otherwise he would stick to me. I’m not the fastest towards the end, so I tried to build a lead as quickly as possible. I’m super happy that it worked out”, added he.