Tackling the terrain

More than 800 runners take to Mill River’s trails for cross-country championships

MILL RIVER — Running is as much a mental trait as a physical one for a young Stratford Elementary School student.

“My dad tells me to focus on something else when I run and this mindset keeps me moving forward,” Emily Lutley said after completing the novice girls’ race Saturday afternoon for the P.E.I. Athletic Association (PEISAA) crosscountry championships held in Mill River.

Students from Grades 3 to 9 across the province laced up their running shoes for one of the biggest events on the PEISAA calendar.

Trish Walsh was among the thousands that flocked to the park to cheer on the runners.

“This is something Rowan, my son, and his siblings have all participated in. Running is just a great, fun sport to do as an individual. My kids train at school every other day, and while Rowan is nervous to be with such a large group of runners, he is very excited to participate in this cross-country event,” she said.

The long-running event, sponsored by Source For Sports, included 52 schools from across the province.

“This event has been going on since I’ve been teaching, which is 36 years, so it’s been running before me,” PEISAA cross-country commissioner Paul Goguen said Saturday. “We have hosted the cross-country event at the park for 18 straight years. And today, we have around 65 volunteers out on the trails helping each race category run like clockwork.”

Trails through a changing palette of deciduous trees, varied in length for each

“We have hosted the cross-country event at the park for 18 straight years. And today, we have around 65 volunteers out on the trails helping each race category run like clockwork.” Paul Goguen

age category.

“I think it’s great these kids are outside and active,” said Dawn Nelson, who watched her two sons Denver and Cale gather at the start line for the novice boys’ race.

“They practised hard to get to this point and I’m proud of them. This is Denver’s fourth time competing in this event and the second time for Cale. They are pushing themselves and it’s good to be healthy and outside instead of dormant behind phones or computer screens,” Nelson added.

The Mill River championship showcased the pre-novice to intermediate categories.

Race participant Denver Nelson said, “It’s a little scary being surrounded by so many kids but the cold will help me run faster.”

For information on race results, visit http://www.peisaa.pe.ca.

DESIREE ANSTEY/JOURNAL PIONEER Denver Nelson, wearing bib number 440, representing Montague Consolidated Elementary School, participates in his fourth cross-country race at the P.E.I. School Athletic Association provincial championships Saturday in Mill River.

DESIREE ANSTEY/JOURNAL PIONEER It takes grit and determination for Maggie Gamble, left, representing Alberton Elementary School, and Megan Mossey from Spring Park Elementary in Charlottetown to sprint to the finish line.