Hundreds of runners compete in annual cross country relay race

Cambridgeshire schools cross country race in St Neots. (Image: Archant)

The event, which is oranised by Priory Junior School, was held on April 19 and saw 272 teams representing 72 Cambridgeshire schools take part in the relay event.

The children, aged 9-11 years, competed in two separate races for boys and girls, featuring four in each team, with competitors running a 1.2km leg.

There was success for both Histon and Impington, who won the boys’ race in a time of 18 mins 26 seconds and Bar Hill, who were the winners of the girls’ race in a time of 19minutes 59 seconds. There was double delight for Burrough Green who were the winners of the small schools’ trophies in both the boys’ and girls’ races.

Cambridgeshire schools cross country race in St Neots. (Image: Archant)

It was a memorable day for organising school, Priory Juniors, which were the top participators at the event, entering seven teams. The girls’ A team - Macy Masters, Poppy Presland, Katie Zemenidou and Kamile Juskute - finished eighth, just two places outside the medals in their hotly-contested event, with the boys’ A team finishing 40th. Priory also finished with the first E team in the boys’ race.

There was also Huntingdonshire success elsewhere, as Kimbolton Prep, Roundhouse Primary School, and Holywell Primary School featured in the top 10 teams in the boys’ section, while Kimbolton Prep and Crosshall School also featured in the top 10 in the girls’ section.

Race organisers, Kevin Sadler and Linda Wager said: “Many thanks go to this year’s sponsors Noonan Crane and Tesco’s who provided race numbers and free bottles of water for all competitors.

“Also many thanks go to the Riverside Runners, St Neots Football Club and Longsands Academy, and the many staff and parents at Priory Junior School for their fantastic efforts in officiating and setting up the course on the day.

“An event of this nature does not happen on its own and this year it took a real team effort from a huge number of people, who gave their time and expertise to ensure the children had a day to remember. Our thanks go to all those who made this day such a huge success.”