Students from all levels hot-footed it around Pyes Pa last Monday (May 18) for the annual Aquinas College Cross Country. The 2023 race offered competitors another shot at House glory and marked the end of the Murray family’s outright dominance of AC running.

Most runners beat the day’s threatening rainfall except Year 7 which was last to compete. Others came unstuck in the gully where recent downpours created an unexpectedly deep and muddy creek for runners to negotiate.

Everyone who took part was a champion, whether they ran, walked, or shuffled home in the damp conditions. Kudos to our staff runners, especially Mr Kevin Elder who ran several times just to encourage students onwards.

In a surprise to nobody, the talented Murray brothers were the first boys home in Years 8, 9, 12, and 13 — the second year running they have won all four races entered. It is the last time they will achieve this. Callum graduates AC later this year, leaving Hamish, Vaughan, and Lachlan to carry on the Murray tradition.

Who won the House bragging rights? Stay tuned this week when the winning House and the full list of individual champions are revealed!