LAST Friday’s West Dunbartonshire Leisure schools' cross country races took place in Balloch Park and attracted 748 runners from schools all over the area.

The overall winner of the primary school competition was St Mary's Primary in Duntocher, with 60 points, with St Patrick’s, Dumbarton, second on 46 and Goldenhill taking bronze with 40.

Winner of the secondary schools competition was Hermitage Academy with 75 points. Clydebank High were second on 45 points and third equal were Dumbarton Academy and Vale of Leven on 26 points. Our Lady and St Patrick’s were fifth with 21 points.

Angus MacDonald, sports development officer for West Dunbartonshire Leisure, said: “West Dunbartonshire Sports Development relay cross country had 100 more participants than last year which has been growing each year with some really fantastic athletes."

“When I started helping at the event there were only around 200 athletes taking part. It has been great to see it has grown each year to what we have now."

The relay event consists of schools entering three runners from the same age group into one team. Each runner completed one lap of around 1.2k-1.4k and when they return the next runner sets off. Only when runner three completes the course are the placings taken for that team.

The course was not the easiest with some runners doing the course twice.

“All athletes should be really proud of their achievement in the event no matter if they are first or last.” added Angus.

“I would not be able to organise this event if it were not for all the help I received from all staff working at WDL and West Coast EMS that supplied staff for first aid.”

The next event is 10K and Fun Run on Saturday, June 2. Runners are being asked to sign up in advance.

Marie Guthrie, head teacher at St Mary’s Primary, said: “We are delighted and thrilled for our children who participated in the cross country event. They were so pleased with themselves. I would like to give thanks to Mrs McWilliams, principal teacher, who coordinates health and wellbeing and physical education events within the school.

"I would like to thank our parent helpers and also to Grant Lang who has been a tremendous support to the children as a volunteer coach –working with the children in recent weeks.”