On Thursday 20th June, Columba College had 20 students competing across five teams in the relay race around Kings High School.

What is described as a short distance run turns into a 2km sprint.  Many teams from most Dunedin schools take part in this fun event as it is a great chance to interact with other schools and athletes from various year levels. Aiming to target a title win after coming 3rd in the Otago/Southland Milton relay event just last month the Junior 1 Team consisting of Catherine Lund, Jaime Reid, Riley Piebenga and Josephine O'Halloran shot out of the gates firing. Jaime Reid had an astonishing first leg which also had her credited with second fastest junior of the event. Before middle runners Riley and Josephine ran strong and kept their cool to remain in the lead pack for final runner Catherine to bring it home with an impressive ending. Overall this talented group came in second for the silver in a well deserved and tough fought battle. OGHS Junior A gained winning honours and St Hilda's claimed third place. The Senior A Team made up of Rachael Turner, Olivia Fowler, Ella McCall and Maia Joseph finished a very respectable third place in the senior girls event, as well as both other senior teams ending in 5th and 6th. 

All teams represented Columba College incredibly well and the athleticism and camaraderie on display was awesome to see. This concludes the Otago Secondary Schools Sport Cross Country series for the 2019 season and we look forward to what next year has in store. 

Thank you to Mrs Kaye Sycamore and Mrs Gretchen Beardmore for helping transport our students to these events, and a huge 'well done' to all the students involved.