Tough, Cerebral Chris Derrick Looks to Repeat at the USA Cross Country Championships

Published by The Oregonian on February 13, 2014

There is a tough-guy edge to Chris Derrick that makes the Portland-based runner ideal for cross country.

Derrick will defend his USA Cross Country title Saturday at the Flatirons Golf Course near Boulder, Colo., and he is looking forward to it.

"I think cross country on the professional level plays to my strengths," Derrick said. "Running over varied terrain helps the strength runners.

"On the track, where there are no obstacles and perfect conditions, it's harder to push people over the edge and break them. Cross country allows a little more room for that kind of running."