Moran competing for U.S. team at international cross country race

If 2011 is anything like 2010, Ed Moran will cement his place among America’s best distance runners and become a strong candidate to become an Olympian in 2012.

Moran, a native of Dayton, will begin 2011 representing the United States at the Men’s International Team Challenge at the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country in Scotland on Jan. 8. Moran is one of nine Team USA members who will race over an 8K course in Hollywood Park against teams from Great Britain and Northern Ireland and a European Select Team. Team captain Dathan Ritzenhien and Galen Rupp, two of this country’s top young runners, are heading the USA squad.