Tomorrow marks the culmination of the American collegiate cross-country season, when the 79th NCAA championships take place at Terre Haute, hosted by Indiana State University.

Ten years ago he wouldn’t have been home for Christmas. Instead 23-year-old Chris Craig from Arizona was over here, playing with and coaching Kieran Donaghy and the Tralee Tigers. The National Cup semi-finals and final were in January and he had a team to prepare.