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A grand day for runners

30/ 3/2006

Primary Schools Cross-Country

ALMOST 300 children from 28 schools in Middleton, Rochdale, and Oldham competed in the finals of the 12th Primary Cross Country Grand Prix at Bowlee last Saturday.

This was the culmination of a four-race series and was one of the largest gatherings of young athletes in the county's sporting calendar.

Sponsored by Rochdale Council's Sports and Leisure Services, and organised by Middleton Harriers, the event saw fierce competition between boys and girls, many of whom have the potential to be top athletes of the future.

There were trophies for the first three runners in each race, plus the first three boys and three girls from the winning school in the Grand Prix series.

Trophies also went to the leading schools from each township, and certificates will be given to every youngster who entered the races.

Awards were presented by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillors Ashley Dearnley and Beryl Wright.

The winning Middleton school, with 134 points, was Elmwood Primary. Norden Community was the top Rochdale team with 48 points, and Hulme Grammar took the Oldham honours with 78 points.

Heywood's best, and winners of the main series trophy, were St Michael's with 430 points.