On Sunday 9 August, eight Columba College pupils competed in the Otago Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships held at the Chisholm Park Golf Course.

Five girls competed in the 3km race within their age groups coming away with a 4th for Anya Rhodes and 8th for Zara Glover in the U14 girls race. Then a 5th for Faith Courtney and 8th for Laura Sammut in the U15 girls race. Jaime Reid took part in the U16 girls event and claimed an impressive 2nd place. 

Year 12 Cross Country captain Rachael Turner had an incredible run and won the U19 Girls 4km race in a time of 16.53 while helping Columba to win the team event in that grade was Caitlin O'Brien (3rd place) and Phoebe Ozanne (4th place).

It was near perfect conditions to run, making it even more competitive along with the stiff competition from other Otago schools. All girls raced very well and should be proud of their efforts as they also showed great Columba spirit. 

The event was aligned with the Club Champs which meant two of our year 8 students - Lila Rhodes (1st place) and Melanie Button (2nd place) competed for their respective clubs in the younger age group.

Rachael Turner