The annual Timaru Boys' High School Cross Country was held in School Park and the Scenic Reserve on Tuesday 7 May.

In overcast conditions, and with a chill in the air, the boys embarked on a journey through the walking tracks and roads of the reserve that served up some challenging running. First away were the Minor boys with many of them experiencing their first Timaru Boys' cross country. Baxter Mason flew around the track and was first to cross the finish line in the Minor grade followed by Malachy Cleland (2nd) and Ryan Caldwell finishing third.

The second grade away were the Juniors and again, this was a well contested race with lots of close running with William Talbot  first to cross the finish line, followed closely by Sam Wilson (2nd) and Saxon McNoe finishing third.

For many  in the Senior race, this would be their last school cross country. On paper, the Senior race looked like it could be reasonably close, but George Guerin had other plans and never let up all the way around. He crossed the finish line comfortably for first place followed by Peter Rawlins in second and Josh Earnshaw finishing third.

Last away was the Intermediate grade with Ryan Bagrie leading from start to finish, showing he is preparing well for the Aoraki Champs and the Nationals; second and third place was a closely fought race with Kai Reid finishing second and Charlie Clemens coming in third.

Again, a big thank you to the staff without whose help we would be unable to run this event which has a strong history and tradition at Timaru Boys'.

Our runners now look forward to competing in the Aoraki Championships in May and the National Championships (in Timaru) in June.