There has been a number of hugely successful primary schools cross country events happening around the country in recent weeks, with thousands of children participating.
In Cork nearly 800 school children took part in the third staging of the Fota House Cross-Cup
Hosted by Great Island Athletics, the event brought together 38 primary schools, with 797 finishers across 12 races. Two schools made an immediate impression on their first visit. St Catherine’s NS, Bishopstown, claimed the girls’ overall team trophy while Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Riverstown, took the boys’ honours, completing a memorable day for the newcomers.
Irish Olympian and European cross-country team gold medallist Lizzie Lee presented the honours, making the occasion all the more memorable for the young runners.
Across distances of 400 to 800 metres, club athletes shared the course with pupils experiencing their first organised race. Through the Cross-Cup, Great Island Athletics strives to reach children who might otherwise have little opportunity to try the sport, encouraging them towards their local clubs.
The club thanks the volunteers and school staff whose work made the day possible, Fota House & Gardens for hosting the event, and Fota Wildlife Park for its support in delivering such a well-presented course for the young athletes.
The Cross-Cups travelled home with the winning schools, but many more children left Fota with a reason to want to race again.
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Meanwhile as part of European Week of Sport, Athletics Ireland’s Regional Development Officers in Dublin – Colette Quinn and Gary Crossan – organised two primary schools cross country events with support from the Dublin City Council Sports Officers.
The events took place in Albert College Park on the 23rd of September and St. Anne’s Park on the 25th of September. In total, pupils from 40 schools participated with 1000 boys and girls attending Albert College Park and 1200 attending St. Anne’s Park.
Schools Cross Country at Albert College Park in Dublin for European Week of Sport
