More than 500 children from 79 Bay of Plenty schools competed at the BOP Cross Country Championships event held at Kaharoa School in Rotorua.

The weather was fantastic, the course was great and so were the running abilities put on display by the amazing young athletes who took part. Katikati College had a big contingent this year with 11 runners qualifying.

The 12yr old boys race, was taken out again by Daniel Nicholson with Sean Nicholson 6 seconds behind. Luke Spurr was just beaten into 4th place by Ian Pugh of Bethlehem College in another great display of running.

In the 12yr old girls race Mikaela Salmon ran a blinder to place 3rd, with Jadah Mackay 5th and Chantelle Wenzlick in 20th.

Gemma Groenewald placed 7th in 11yr Girls and Meg Harray came in 17th.

Well done to all our athletes.