Ōhope Beach Primary School runners achieved rare feat at the recent Whakatāne Primary School’s Interschool Cross Country held on their home ground.

The school’s eight-year-old boys flew around the course, claiming the top 10 spots in their age group and likely setting an interschool record.

Ōhope provides a fantastic course that sees children run up in the hills next to the school, down the slopes, through mud and over some obstacles – a true cross-country event.

There is always plenty of mud, sweat and tears and this year was no different with heavy rain in the lead-up and wet weather on the day bringing challenging conditions.

Plenty of children ended up covered in mud after slipping over at some stage while others managed to negotiate the course more cleanly.

Well over 200 children took part and although the finish times were not fast, the runners did well under trying conditions.

Children from Paroa, Apanui, Ōhope, Allandale, St Joseph’s and James Street competed, battling it out for a top 10 placing that would secure them a place in the EBOP Primary School cross country championships.

Apanui Primary School’s Glen Young was proud of the effort put in by the Apanui runners.

“It was a rainy sort of day that made for some spectacular slips in the mud and swamp. Core memories were definitely made.

“We had 18 students qualify for the EBOP Champs, by coming in the top 10 for their age group.”

The Eastern Bay event, featuring the best cross-country runners from the Whakatāne, Rangitaiki and Ōpōtiki events will be held at Woodlands Primary School in Opotiki on June 12.

The top runners at this event will represent the province at the Bay of Plenty Championships.