Lee Merrien sits on the shoulder of Jonathan Thewlis in last year’s 10k road race. (0553691)

THE UK’s top two endurance running clubs have committed to travelling to Guernsey for the 2010 KPMG Easter Festival.

Event director Paul Ingrouille said he was delighted with the quality coming the island’s way for the traditional four-race weekend.

‘Mick Woods has always been a good supporter of our Easter weekend and has promised to bring over another strong Aldershot squad which will include several of the team that have dominated the European Junior Women’s events over recent years,’ he said.

So far Beijing Olympian Steph Twell and 2009 winner Emma Pallant are both confirmed.

Two other members of the GB Junior squad, Charlotte Purdue and Katherine Sparkes, have also expressed an interest.

‘It had become a bit of an in-joke speculating what leading national and overseas athletes could do for the traditional 4.75-mile “full course” cross country but it was clear last year that Steph Twell really wanted the course record,’ said the event director.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.