Westmeath Schools XC 2018 (26th Sept)

Very successful Westmeath Schools Cross Country in Belvedere

In contrast to the wet and cold day for the same event last year, the Westmeath Schools Cross Country took place in perfect overcast but mild and dry conditions in Belvedere on Wednesday 26th September. As always, the grounds in Belvedere looked beautiful and as the grass was cut very recently, underfoot conditions were absolutely perfect for running. The hard work put in by volunteers from the Club in setting up the course meant that everything was ready on the day. Numbers taking part were well up on last year thanks to the fine day that attracted very big numbers across all ages, particularly in the primary schools races and it was great to see such enthusiasm in the competitors from the youngest first class pupil to the eldest sixth year student, cheered on by a big crowd of teachers and parents. The event continues to be very popular and we hope that competitors and schools will continue to support this excellent event in future years. We are indebted to the many volunteers, members and friends of Mullingar Harriers, who turned up to help officiate and make the day a success.

The Primary School top 20 individual finishers and Team Scores and the Secondary Schools top finishers are available HERE

Thanks to Aine O’Reilly and James Carton who put in Trojan shifts taking turns running as the “rabbit” in the primary schools races, giving all the young competitors a clear person to chase so no one got confused or lost on the course.

Sincere thanks also to the Westmeath Civil Defence who were on hand in good numbers to look after any first aid needs with their customary cool calm professionalism. The Management & Staff at Belvedere House and Gardens were also of great help in organising the day at a venue that is ideal for hosting such an event and the grounds came in for particular praise from the many parents that attended to watch. Finally, our thanks to the teachers & schools for competing in great numbers to ensure that the event continues to be one of the most eagerly awaited sporting events on the calendar for those of school going age in Westmeath.

Congratulations to all who took part and as usual, the standard of competition was extremely high and medals were hard won for all the competitors. Team medals will be distributed to the schools during the week. If anyone that competed in Belvedere has been bitten by the running bug, they might like to compete in the Westmeath AAI Cross Country Championship at the same Belvedere venue on the first two Sundays in October. Day one is for ages u/8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 years starting at 11am. Day two the following Sunday is for ages u/9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 18 and adult novice, senior and master, and everyone can run on both days if they wish, in their right age one day and moving up an age on the other day. The event is open to everyone in Westmeath and you don’t have to be a member of any Club to take part, so why not come along and give it a try?