Around 220 local school students soaked up picture perfect running conditions at Alexandra’s McArthur Ridge Winery for the Dunstan Zone Cross Country Champs yesterday (Wednesday August 31). 

The students were expertly marshalled by Clyde School’s deputy principal Barb Lambeth on a course walk through, then given a briefing prior to races starting at 11.30am.

Instructions were to keep all cones on their right hand side, and to watch out for rabbit holes. 

The course included two gradual inclines but conditions were beautiful with sunshine and light cooling breeze. 

Year seven and eight students had to run a longer course of around 2.5km, the younger students tackled 1.8km.

Students listen intently to instructions to take care where they tread to look after their ankles and go the distance. 

Barb said the event had been in the pipeline for two years, so everything was carefully planned. 

A sausage sizzle was on site for hungry spectators and runners, and a food truck with smoothies and ice creams was popular.

The year five boys were eager to run, inching forward prior to the start gun. Watch them setting off here. [insert video here please]

Students from year five to ten from several local schools took part, including: Alexandra Primary School, Clyde School, Cromwell Primary School, Cromwell College, Goldfields School, Millers Flat, Omakau School, St Gerards School and The Terrace School. 

Warm ups with a netball: Cromwell College's Year 7 students Sophie Ley (11), Tahlia-Rose Rawcliffe (12), Isla Thompson (11) and Kiki Nepe (12).

Yesterday’s winners will race against Small Schools, Upper Clutha, and Wakatipu cross country winners at the Central Otago Cross Country Championships at Cromwell racecourse on Thursday September 22. 

Jumping with excitement: Millers Flat’s seven runners were Bede Perkins (11), Sari Perkins (11), Jack Anderson (12), Cullan Anderson (12), Leo Garden (13). Missing from the shot was Freida Garden. 

Well done to runners for giving the races their best shot, great sportsmanship was evident with cheering and applause at the finish line and plenty of high fives and hugs from supporters. 

PHOTOS: Central App