A beautiful rainbow welcomed the competitors to the Sunshine Coast School Sport Cross Country Championships signaling that a great day of cross country racing was about to start. GCC students Hadley Smith, Sophie Doyle, and Isola Lobley were representing the Independent District at these championships along with secondary students Emma Small and Nikita Hazard.

Hadley Smith was the first to compete in her 10 year girls’ 2km race. The downhill start was fast and Hadley settled into the middle of the field. She looked comfortable running even towards the end of the race and finished in 21st place beating two Independent District runners who had previously beaten her.

Sophie Doyle was the next to race over her 11 girls’ 3km course. She was determined to qualify for the State Championships again so started fast getting in a great position at the front of the field. The hilly and windy course was a great challenge for everyone and Sophie held her pace well in second place for much of the race only being caught by her fast finishing friend in the final 1km. Sophie ran strongly up the long hill towards the finish line to claim a well deserved 3rd place medal. This was a particularly great run as she had been sick during the previous week so she certainly showed her tenacity and determination.

12 year old Isola Lobley was our last Primary student to run and the downhill start was fast and furious. She maintained a strong pace throughout the race passing several runners and gaining valuable places in the middle section of the race. Isola finished well and just missed a top ten placing finishing 11th overall which was a fantastic result.

Emma Small ran a determined race and showed her class finishing in 5th place in the 16 girls race and Nikita Hazzard also ran well placing 8th in the 17 girls 4km race.

Congratulations to these five girls and we wish Sophie and Emma all the best when they compete in the State Championships in Hervey Bay next month.

Wendy Stott, Sport Teacher