Young runners from across Lochaber put on a spectacular display of determination, resilience and sporting excellence at the annual Lochaber Inter Primary School Cross Country Championships, held at Nevis Range.
Organised by the High Life Highland Active Schools team in partnership with PE teacher Sandra Chisholm, the event welcomed 90 pupils from 18 primary schools. Competitors travelled from communities across Lochaber, including Mallaig, Acharacle, Spean Bridge and Duror.
Blue skies at Nevis Range
While torrential rain lashed the area overnight and into the morning, the weather made a dramatic turnaround. Competitors arrived under bright blue skies for a memorable day of racing in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
Boys race
First up was the boys race. The lead changed hands a couple of times, but it was Liam from Mallaig Primary School (10:03) who took the gold medal. He pipped Ardgour Primary School's Innes (10:06), who took silver, by just over 3 seconds. Angus from Acharacle Primary (10:41) rounded off the top three, nabbing himself the bronze medal in the process.
Girls race
It was however a very different story in the girls race. Iona from Bun-Sgoil Ghaidhlig Loch Abar (10:29) led from the start and came home comfortably in the gold medal position, a full minute ahead of her nearest competitor.
In the silver medal position was a determined Chloe from Acharacle Primary School (11:29), with Felicity from Lundavra Primary (11:52) rounding out the top three and gaining a bronze medal.
The standard of competition was exceptional, but what stood out most was the enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship shown by every runner.
Active Schools Coordinator
Team results
When team scores were combined, Bun-Sgoil Ghaidhlig Loch Abar emerged as worthy overall champions. They lifted the coveted team shield ahead of Lundavra Primary School in second place and Banavie Primary School in third.
Thank you to our volunteers
Our Active Schools Coordinator Alan Gray praised both the competitors and the many volunteers who helped deliver the event:
"It was fantastic to see 90 young people from all corners of Lochaber come together to enjoy a hugely successful day of cross-country running.
"The standard of competition was exceptional, but what stood out most was the enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship shown by every runner. Events like this give young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, represent their schools and experience the enjoyment of being active outdoors in a fantastic environment.
"A huge thank you goes to our young leaders Vinny, Duncan, Juliette, Ollie and Ethan from Ardnamurchan High School, whose support as marshals and runners was invaluable. We are also grateful to Sandra Chisholm, Bridget Thomas, Claire, Sean and Lachie, as well as all the teachers, parents and volunteers who made the event possible. Our thanks also go to David Robertson, Forestry and Land Scotland, and Nevis Range for their continued support and hospitality."
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