HUNDREDS of young runners got the new East Cornwall schools’ cross-country season off to a superb start as the popular series returned in glorious conditions.

The opening race of the East Cornwall Harriers Primary School Cross-Country League took place at Blackadon Farm, Great Trethew, near Liskeard, on Friday (October 16), with excellent conditions overhead and underfoot providing the perfect setting for the youngsters to put their running skills to the test.

All smiles for this Bishop Cornish runner who took first place in the Year 3/4 Girls race
All smiles for this Bishop Cornish runner who took first place in the Year 3/4 Girls race (Cornish Times)

The eagerly anticipated return was a welcome boost for schools and families across the area after the future of the competition was briefly thrown into doubt following the retirement of long-standing organiser Revis Crowle.

However, volunteers from East Cornwall Harriers stepped forward to take on the organisation, ensuring the much-loved series could continue and giving hundreds of children the opportunity to enjoy competitive cross-country running.

Youngsters from across East Cornwall were out in force for the first race of the Cross Country series at Great Trethew
Youngsters from across East Cornwall were out in force for the first race of the Cross Country series at Great Trethew (Cornish Times)

The opening fixture was sponsored by Parkes & Pearn Estate and the Cornish Times, with young athletes competing across four categories: Year 3 and 4 girls, Year 3 and 4 boys, Year 5 and 6 girls, and Year 5 and 6 boys.

Each race covers approximately 1.1 miles, making it an ideal introduction to competitive running for primary school pupils, while still offering a test for youngsters keen to improve their times and performances.

The top three finishers in the Year 3/4 Boys race of the new East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series
The top three finishers in the Year 3/4 Boys race of the new East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series (Cornish Times)
Off to a flying start, these youngsters show their speed at the opening East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series race at Great Trethew
Off to a flying start, these youngsters show their speed at the opening East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series race at Great Trethew (Cornish Times)
The Year 5/6 Girls top three are all smiles after smashing their opening race at Great Trethew
The Year 5/6 Girls top three are all smiles after smashing their opening race at Great Trethew (Cornish Times)
Off and running, these Year 5/6 Boys are setting the pace in the East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series
Off and running, these Year 5/6 Boys are setting the pace in the East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series (Cornish Times)
Success for the top three in the opening race of the Year 5/6 Boys East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series
Success for the top three in the opening race of the Year 5/6 Boys East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series (Cornish Times)