Speedy pupils on course for success
Teens blitz three-mile trail to claim medals
Teenagers got in the fast lane when they took on their annual cross-country championships.
Nearly 200 pupils faced the challenging three- mile course around Paisley’s Gleniffer High.
Young athletes from S1 to S3 laced up for the traditional run around the campus.
Ali Bleach, acting principal teacher of physical education, is delighted that the race has become a favourite for competitors.
He said: “We are always keen to ensure that all our young people have the opportunity to be involved in physical activity and are delighted with the number of pupils who took part in the cross-country race.
“The event is part of a health and wellbeing programme of events that is designed to promote the aims of Curriculum for Excellence.
“We hope that by nurturing positive physical wellbeing in school, our youngsters will carry this into their everyday life and sustain it into adulthood.
“As well as promoting a healthy lifestyle for all our pupils, we want to encourage some of the really talented runners in the school.
“Their promise was demonstrated recently at the Renfrewshire Schools CrossCountry Championships, where Gleniffer High School won four team trophies.”
A crowd gathered behind the ropes to watch the runners reach the end of the course, which winds round the building on Amochrie Road.
First- years Abbie Alemu and Martin Burnhope reached the finish first for their categories, clocking in times of 6min 42secs and 7min 22 secs, respectively.
Ola Zurakowski and Lewis Hannigan crossed the line first for the second years, notching times of 7 min 11 secs and 7 min 37 secs.
And Laine Alemu was the first third- year girl to reach the end, with Cameron Niven the first boy on 9 min.
Each winner received medals in recognition of their success, with the champions to be presented with trophies at an end of year celebration.
We want to encourage some of the really talented runners in the school