Clackmannanshire Council Online

Record Entry at Cross Country Champs

A record entry of primary and secondary school pupils participated in the Clackmannanshire Cross Country Championships which were held on Tuesday 13th December in West End Park, Alloa.

Over 420 young people from P5, P6, and P7 represented their schools and ran the one mile course in the morning event; over 150 pupils from S1 to S6 represented the area's three secondary schools in the afternoon event.

The primary school children ran well in the morning with the weather holding out to be mostly dry although a little chilly. Unfortunately this changed for the worse by the afternoon, with the secondary school pupils racing in rain, snow and gale force winds. However the weather did little to dampen the spirits of the racers nor the quality of the running, with one of Alva Academy's senior pupils crossing the finish line with a stylish cartwheel.

17 of the 19 local primary schools were represented - most of our primaries have running clubs and many pupils had been practising for several weeks prior to this event. The hard work of the teachers and coaches was evident to see with an impressive class of running.

Sincere thanks and praise go to the team of Young Ambassadors who supported and helped encourage the runners throughout the course. Many thanks also to Sports Development staff for the set up and organisation of the event.

In the primary event, 4th to 10th placed individuals in each event received a lapel badge, with 1st to 3rd placed individuals in each event winning medals. The overall school team winning each race were awarded trophies.

In the secondary event, 1st to 3rd placed individuals in each year group were awarded medals, with the overall winning school team from each year group receiving a certificate of merit.

This event is also a qualifier for the Forth Valley Schools Cross Country event, this year it will be hosted by Active Stirling at Queen Victoria School, Dunblane on Thursday 8th March 2012. From the Championships, the top 20 P6 girls, P6 boys, P7 girls, P7 boys, S1/2 girls, S1/2 boys, S3/4 girls, S3/4 boys, S5/6 girls and S5/6 boys will qualify for this event to represent Clackmannanshire.

Anyone interested in developing their running and athletics skills should contact Lisa Houston, Sports Development on 01259 450000.