RUNNERS took up the challenge of a tough new course as Windermere School hosted the South Lakes Inter Schools’ cross-country.

Children from 20 primary schools across the south of the county battled it out for honours, with victories to Windermere, Lindale and Penny Bridge students among the highlights.

A total of almost 400 runners took part, making the event the biggest ever held at Windermere, with parents, teachers and supporters packed into special viewing areas to cheer them on.

For many of the children taking part it was a first taste of competitive action, though some were keen runners looking to improve on previous performances.

In the girls under-10s race, a superb run from Sophie Rylance, from Lindale School, ensured she went home with the gold medal.

She would follow up that win with second place in the Year 5 Girls Primary Schools Cross Country County National Championships.

Coniston School’s Jessica Edmondson took the silver and Sophie Roberts (Selside) claimed the bronze.

There were good performances from Taya Wade-Wilson in fourth, Bethany Saunders in fifth, Year 2 pupil Brooke Machell in 25th and Patia May Pickering in 27th, which meant Windermere School won the Under-10s shield.

The boys had an equally challenging time, running against some speedy competitors.

Windermere’s Hector Westmoreland-Nicholson put all his training and knowledge of the course to good use, timing his attack well to take first position and the gold medal.

He also finished sixth in the Primary Schools Cross Country County National Championships.

Edward Sargent (Penny Bridge) took the silver and Charlie Allmond (Crosthwaite) claimed the bronze.

There were good runs from Jonny-Lee Machell, who came in fourth, Eddie Lewis in 13th and Felix Stewart in 22nd to see Windermere School to team victory and the Under-10s shield.

In the under-11s races, Penny Bridge’s Olesia Winder put in an exceptional display to take first position in the girls’ event.

The Hoad Hill Harriers youngster was followed by Windermere’s Hannah Gaynor in second and Rowenna Hamilton, of Langdale, who took the bronze.

Winder’s run in the national championships was affected by a lack of spikes, but she still managed to finish fifth despite the impediment.

Stramongate School won the under-11s Shield with good runs from Georgia Beresford (fifth), Rowan Hebblethwaite (13th), Emma Foster (16th), Amelia King (19th) and Mia Bryant (24th).

The boys’ race had some equally quick runners.

An exciting finish saw Henry Hunter, from Stramongate School, take first place and the gold medal.

James Bowen took the silver medal and Hawkshead School team-mate Harry Bowen the bronze.

Good running from Matthew Ansell (fifth), Dylan Cater (sixth) and Ethan Ross (45th), meant that Stramongate School also went on to win the under-11s Shield.

All runners finished the afternoon with a burger and a chocolate bar, and most of the participants still had a smile on their faces.

Windermere School thanked all those involved in making the event successful, from the ground staff to the catering team, the first aiders to the marshals.