The WRISSA Cross Country is a day that never disappoints. Every year we are treated to amazing displays of athletics prowess from across all the Wellington region intermediates.

We couldn’t have asked for a more pristine day for running. Clear blue skies, soft ground underfoot but not too wet, no wind, and a crisp morning chill in the air. Nerves were definitely aloft as the students representing Rāroa milled around waiting for the races to begin.

After a quick warm up to stretch the legs, a few final hugs and words of encouragement from friends and supporting family members the year 7 girls kick-started the day. Running amongst a strong field in all year and gender groups, the ākonga from Rāroa gave it everything with some really good results.

A special mention needs to go out to Holly Gillan (year 7 girls), Tommy Willson, and Oliver Hoar (year 7 boys) who came directly to Harcourt Park from their camp at Makahika. To come along already exhausted and put as much effort in as they did says everything about our student’s persistence and determination.

Well done to all our runners, and thank you for making WRISSA Cross Country another wonderful event.

Rāroa Cross Country team:

Year 7 girls - Hetty Humphries, Zoe Mills, Eden Growcott, Maci Weir, Holly Gillan, Grace Brier, and Sofia Creighton

Year 7 boys - Eddie Kelly, Flynn Harty, James Goodall, Joshua O’Connor, Monty McKenzie, Oliver Hoar, Tommy Willson, and Zac Mitchell

Year 8 girls - Eden Lipscombe, Eloise Granger, Emily Cole, Emmeline Mahoney, Estelle Fraser, Jessica Calvert, Katie Sutherland, Olivia Eggleton, Phoebe Kemp and Zoe Moss

Year 8 boys - Archie McPhee, Charlie Sutherland, James Curran, Keiran McMahon, Lockie Gollop, Max Wade, and Seb Penney