The New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country took place in Timaru last weekend with high school students throughout the country making the journey to take part in the elite running race.

Catherine Lund began the day for our three Columba College students in the year 9 girls event, competing in a field of 80 runners our superstar athlete came an incredible 7th overall. She also was the first Otago person to cross the line in a highly impressive display of running. Jaime Reid in year 10 took part in the junior girls race finishing in 44th position behind some very classy North Island competition. Jaime was the second runner from her age group home, which is one spot higher than her placing at the Otago Cross Country just a couple of weeks back. It is awesome to see the improvements made from such hard working students over such a short timeframe. Last up for the doves was Cross Country Captain Rachael Turner. Competing in the senior age group, our year 11 star was against a large field of students from Year 11-13. Rachael gained a credible 56th place overall but claimed the win for year 11 Otago place getters.  Well done to all three students, you represented Columba College with pride and honour. 

On Sunday after the individual events Saturday entailed, our three students were selected as part of the Otago running squads. This is where some of the top runners throughout our Dunedin schools combine to form a five person relay team.  Athletes love these events as it gives them a chance to race with some of their rivals and create memories and build friendships that will last a lifetime. All our Columba runners were the first runners and got the relay teams off to the best possible starts, great work girls! 

Huge thank you to Lisa and Robert Reid for looking after the Columba running group and to all those constant supporters, we look forward to next years event. 

Photo Credit - Lisa Reid Photography