Buxton runners excel in area cross country league

The under-11 boys category saw 77 young athletes participate with two Buxton boys Dylan Gray who secured 56th position followed by team-mate Mat Rolfe who occupied 69th respectively.

The girls under-11s had a fine turnout of athletes with four of the Buxton AC faithful competing in a field of 80. Rachel Cudahy and Aoife Lennon finished side by side, Rachel in 59th and Aoife in 60th position. Molly Golden claimed the 72nd position with team-mate Rebecca Cudahy finishing 78th.

The under-13s saw the largest number of competing athletes with a grand total of 89 athletes taking on the gruelling course. Sienna Phillips ran an outstanding race, finishing comfortably in 26th place followed by team-mate Grace Bond, who also ran brilliantly to finish 82nd in a tough race.

Harry Bond was the only representative in the under-15s boys race in a field of 50. Harry finished a successful race in the top half of the standings in 21st and is sure to improve as the season continues as he looks to go from strength to strength.

Amy Whelan finished the under-15s race in 14th out of 48 followed by Abbie Fryer Winder, who finished in 43rd position respectively on a course that weaved around the park.

The under-17s boys was a duo made up of Sam Soles and Stuart Diamond who were hopeful about finishing in strong positions as they had in the last meeting. Sam continued his fine start to the season, finishing just outside the podium places in fifth followed by Stuart who crossed the line in 20th out of 35.

Ellie Wilson continued her incredible form, claiming the podium spot of third to boost her position in the overall standings out of a very strong field of athletes.

Team manager Rachel Dowle said: “Yet again it has been a great turnout from Buxton and great performances across the board. This is a highly competitive league and the juniors are holding their own and doing the club proud.”