Dual Olympic marathon representative Lee Troop’s resurrection as one of Australia’s premier distance runners continues, with the 33-year-old capturing the Telstra Australian cross country title in empathic style in Hobart.

Victorian Anna Thompson dominated the women’s race to win a record equalling third title.

A "shocked" Troop reigned supreme over the 12km journey at the Pontville Equestrian Centre, outside Hobart, defeating a talented line-up to regain the crown he last held in 2000.

With the lead changing hands on numerous occasions, it came down to a battle between Troop and defending champion Martin Dent (ACT) on the fourth and final 3km lap.

Dent threw down the gauntlet at the bell to open a 20m gap, but Troop powered home on the final hill to take his first Australian cross country title in six years. Dent finished second with Queensland’s Michael Shelley winning the bronze medal.

"I’m a bit shocked; it’s been a long time between drinks in cross country," an ebullient Troop said after the race.

"After Martin got 20m clear of me, I thought I was running for second, but I continued running to my strengths. I love cross country and when it gets tough, I can always find something extra.

"I liked the course, the hills were challenging which worked to my benefit and the hay bails just knocked the rhythm out of people," Troop said.

Troop missed the Commonwealth Games and last represented Australia internationally at the Athens Olympic Games where he finished 28th in the marathon.

After a period in the wilderness due to injuries, Troop claimed the Australian marathon title on the Gold Coast in July.

"This year is about establishing myself domestically, before I become an international athlete again. Until I dominate at home, I am not ready to take on the big boys overseas."

He will race regularly in Australia over the next five months before returning to the marathon in March or April next year.

Thompson dominated the women’s race to capture her third title, beating home local hero and Commonwealth Games steeplechase bronze medallist Donna MacFarlane.

Thompson is making bi-annual cross-country wins a habit, after claiming the title in 2002 and 2004.

Thompson’s win takes her national cross-country titles to three – equalling the record held by dual Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallist Kerryn McCann, Tasmanian Kylie Risk and NSW’s Beth Stanford who won three titles in the 1970’s.

It has been a fruitful winter season for the 29-year-old, winning the Victorian cross country title and the City to Surf in Sydney. Her next challenge will be the World Mountain running Trophy in Turkey next month followed by the IAAF World Road Championships in Hungary in October.

Athletics Australia