On Friday, 15 March our Rutherford College students raced over and under obstacles and up and down bumps in the 2k cross country course at Te Atatu Pony Club.

First up we had the Year 9 girls, they started out in big numbers before separating out as they made it further around the fun course. Coming around the last bend it was Ishani Kumar and Jessica Williams battling it out, Ishani took the win with Jessica just behind, followed closely by Heina Navosa.

The Year 9 boys was another large group ready to take on the course. Jesse Schwalger created a great lead and had a strong finish in a time of 5 minutes 33 seconds. Up next to cross the line was Luke Pope then Devon Greentree.

Up next were the year 10 girls. Taking a confident win was Isla Annan with a time of 6 minutes 26 seconds. Ashley Croon then Maggie Collis were close behind.

Year 10 boys had a very close finish with Dylan Spraggs and Braden Keys having a competition between first and second but in the end it was Spraggs who came away with the win, then Keys followed by Jesse Allen.

The Seniors race this year was more competitive with Year 11, 12 and 13 PED classes and year 13 USP classes competing. The girls took to the starting line and set off in a good pace. Coming down the home straight with the lead was Hannah Taylor but Mollie Tagaloa was close behind trying to catch Taylor, but she kept the lead in a time of 6 minutes 42 seconds, Mollie finished 2nd and 3rd was Casey Boyce.

Harrison Chapman set the pace for the senior boys race early on and finished in the fast time of 4 minutes 59 seconds. Next up across the line also with a strong finish was Matt Darrah and then Ruben Boyack.

Well done to everyone who participated, it was a great effort by all. Thank you to the student leaders who helped run the day.