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REPORT

English Schools Cross Country Championships

Wakefield Harriers had 6 athletes representing West Yorkshire at Sefton Park, Liverpool. Bringing together the top athletes from school years 8 to 13 from each of the 46 counties in England, this is one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the year.
The Junior Boys race had one of the most exciting finishes for years, with 3 Harriers on the start line and Thomas Hastings being involved in a Tied finish for 1st, after much deliberation he was given 2nd place, the same time as the winner of 9:51 for the 3.2 kilometre course. The fast improving Sydney Swan had his best race to date, finishing in 60th place, with his teammate Dan Jones doing well to finish 276th after loosing a shoe in the large field of 351 starters.

For his top 8 finish Thomas gained international selection to run for England in Bangor North Wales, on Saturday 21st March against the top Athletes from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Isabella Tutt was under par for her intermediate girls race, finishing in 39th place helping the West Yorkshire team to 3rd place in another huge start line of 338 athletes.

Senior Girls Rosie Thislewood and Sylvie Ellis had good runs finishing 95th and 180th respectively over the 4.1 kilometre course, with over 300 of the best runners from school years 12 and 13 taking up the undulating grassland course, they have both done well to make the team on numerous occasions over recent years.

Report by Chris Mitchell

PHOTOGRAPHS

Provided by Chris Mitchell

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