RUNNERS were put through a gruelling test in the Inter-Schools’ Cross Country Championships at Windermere School.

More than 400 youngsters from 26 South Lakes primary schools tested themselves at the Elleray Campus in the annual event.

In warm spring sunshine, a challenging course – offering more chances for overtaking near the finish and a new middle section – presented under-10s and under-11s athletes with a difficult challenge.

The mixture of nerves and anticipation at the start of each race was palpable and spectators were treated to an afternoon of excitement, endeavour and achievement.

In the under-10s girls race, a superb run from Jessica Edmondson, of Coniston Primary School, saw her finish ahead of Ella Martindale (St Thomas’s), with Kate Collin (St Mark’s) in third.

Good performances in the field of 103 from Patia May Pickering (fourth), Brooke Machell (ninth), Karis Rooney (11th), Maya Baker (12th) and Gracie Yearsley (22nd) meant Windermere School won the Under-10s Girls Shield.

The under-10s boys race was equally exciting, with Louis Bigland, of Heron Hill, running a fantastic race to finish first, ahead of Simon Rigby (St Oswald’s) and Lewis Fernhead (St Mark’s).

Hawkshead School won the Boys’ Shield thanks to Tom Nicholson (fourth), Freddie Dixon (17th), Miles Fieldhouse (30th) and William Patterson (41st).

The under-11s girls race was fast and furious from the start.

Sophie Rylance (Lindale School), who won last year’s under-10s girls even, eventually edged out Clara Samson (Ghyllside) to claim first place. Sarah Smith (Heron Hill) ran an impressive race to finish third.

Further impressive performances from Ghyllside runners Ella Parr (seventh), Tilly Nicholls (eighth) and Ruby Barker (18th), meant Ghyllside School won the Girls’ Shield.

The final race was the under-11s boys race and, once again, the spectators were treated to an exciting contest.

A sensational run from Charlie Allmond, of Crosthwaite School, saw him take first, ahead of Jack Dixon (Grasmere). A gritty and determined effort from Windermere's Hector Westmoreland-Nicholson meant he snatched third.

Westmoreland-Nicholson's school-mates Jonny-Lee Machell (eighth), Eddie Lewis (13th) and Charlie Hodson (29th) joined him as part of the Boys Shield winners.

Sarah Whitehead, who organised the event, was full of praise for all the runners, and said: “It was a fantastic afternoon of sport and all those who took part should feel very proud of themselves. It is a tough course and requires real determination, especially the final climb.”

Rachael Thomas, head of the Elleray Campus, added: “The afternoon was all about the children and and their drive and determination to finish.

“I’m sure the members of staff from all of the schools which took part would want to join me in saying a huge well done’ to all the runners. Their drive and determination was clear to see and we’re all very proud of them.”

Organisers thanked the team managers, marshals, the hares, scorers, first aiders, maintenance staff, office staff and the catering team for their help on the day.