Haydon Bridge High School host Tynedale Schools cross-country event

Haydon Bridge High School welcomed more than 400 runners from 15 local first and primary schools as they staged the Tynedale Schools years 3, 4, 5 and 6 cross-country championships.

45 of Haydon Bridge’s youngest sports leaders took sole responsibility for organising and running the entire event, assuming roles as varied as hares, marshals and recorders whilst also plying the visiting staff and parents with teas and coffees.

Children competing in the event (Image: Haydon Bridge High School)

The first race saw Cate from Darras Hall Primary taking the individual honours in the year 6 girls’ race and also leading her team to victory.

Alexander from Ovingham Middle was first home in the corresponding boys’ race, but it was Hexham Middle who packed well to take the year 6 boys’ team prize. Year 5 were up next and it was a clean sweep here for Hexham Middle School with them taking both the girls’ and boys’ team and individual titles, with Kirstie winning the girls’ race and Monty the boys’.

Other students cheered the champions on (Image: Haydon Bridge High School)

In the year 4 races, Darcey from Darras Hall Primary led home the girls’ race, with Sele First showing strength in depth as all six of their runners finished in the top 14 to take the team title.

Charlie of Ponteland Primary was victorious in the boys’ race with Darras Hall Primary clear winners in the team competition.

The last race saw the year 3s in action with Millie from Sele First recording a win in the girls’ race and Alfie of Darras Hall Primary the winner in the boys’ race, with Darras Hall Primary taking both team titles.

This finished off an excellent morning of fun, friendship and competition with young runners of all abilities and fitness levels achieving personal bests and supporting each other in a great spirit.