Forward rolling across the finish line in style were Mia Pearson and Maggie Tarry, who took out equal third place in the Senior Girls’ 3km. Photos Katie ToddAshburton College students could be seen dashing laps of the domain during their annual school cross country yesterday.

Dozens of runners laced up their sneakers and negotiated drizzly conditions and tough competition to vie for a spot in the Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Cross Country competition later this month.

Students competed in four different grades, with Blue House accumulating the most points.

In the 3km Year 9 & 10 Junior Boys’ race, Michael Munro topped the table with a 10 minute 59 second finishing time.

In second was Dennis Nguyen and third was Flynn Mackenzie.

Completing the 3km Junior Girls’ race in 12 minutes 9 seconds to claim first place was Ella Pearson, followed by Hannah O’Reilly and Caendal Harris.

Taking out first place in the 3km Senior Girls’ race was Natasha Waddell in 11 minutes 42 seconds, followed by Jessica Grey in second, and Mia Pearson and Maggie Tarry in equal third place.

And first to cross the finish line in the 4km Senior Boys’ race was Taonga Mbambo in 12 minutes 47 seconds, followed by Toby Woolf in second and Mathew Clough in third.

The Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Cross Country competition is due to take place on May 29 at Ascot Golf Course in Christchurch.

By Katie Todd © The Ashburton Guardian - 16 May 2018