Stone gets off to a flyer

CROSS COUNTRY

David Stone recorded a memorable victory in his first competitive race by winning the under-11 Hertfordshire County Cross Country Championships.

Stone, who is 10 and studies at the Independent Jewish Day school in Hendon, was wearing the colours of Shaftesbury Harriers, with whom he trains every Tuesday. He finished 100 metres and 20 seconds clear of the field in a time of 5:21 over the 1,600m course, a speed of 11.25mph.

The youngster’s next competition comes in the midweek Barnet Schools under-13 Championships in two weeks followed by trials for the London minimarathon.

Jennifer Simmons of Sale Harriers won the 600m at the Sportscity Manchester indoor open meeting, recording 1:36.13s.