6th Manchester Harriers Primary Schools Cross Country 2013/14

There were some really excellent results at the last Manchester Harrier Primary Schools Cross Country for the season and there were in my opinion some outstanding results as well.

Congratulations to Libby (52nd) and Isobel (62nd) for competing in this event for the first time. The introduction this year, will put them in good stead for next year. I was very pleased that Poppy (45th) got a PB and improved her time by 9 seconds, there is more to come from Poppy now that she has got comfortable with running Cross Country races. As year 3s against year 4s what Hannah J (8th/44 second improvement in her PB) and Grace T(11th/18 second improvement in PB) are achieving is outstanding, in their very first Cross Country season. It was also nice to see Sofia put in a brilliant performance to finish second in this race and to pick up a medal for her overall 5th position in this years competition. Well done to this fantastic bunch of young girls, who represent their schools so well. If they continue with such great attitude and commitment, they will only ever get better at this tough event.

In contrast to the Year 3/4 girls, what a shame that we only had one representative from our training group representing their school. I will be very disappointed if this is the case next year, as a training/fitness opportunity is being missed, amongst other things. Cross Country is part of our group's multi-event training programme, those who have chosen not to do it, will not bring it's benefits with them into the Track & Field season. A very big congratulations go to Jonah (2nd) for achieving such a great result in his very first Cross Country race. Apart from the ability he clearly demonstrated, he showed a lot of character to overcome the initial, understandable, apprehension that he had, to go to the start line and put in such an excellent effort. Well done Jonah!

Very pleased with our year 5/6 girls, they are making excellent progress in this event and with their endurance. Ella (12th/15th overall), Millie(10th) and Lauren(8th) all achieved PBs in their last race by 11secs, 41secs and 22secs respectively. These girls can be at the centre of a really good training group, if they get the opportunity to train together regularly.

Harry missed the last year 5/6 boys race through injury, but picked up a really well deserved medal for his overall 7th place in the competition. Well done H! William C (5th) & Ben(11th - running the course for the first time!) ran excellent races and represented their school extremely well. These two young men are maturing into really good all round athletes.

Finally, on the 22nd there is the regional Schools Cross Country race being held at Heaton Park. I am very pleased to announce that Harry and Lauren are representing Stockport Schools. Achievements very well deserved, considering the commitment they have given to this event both in training and racing over the last two years.