Herefordshire schools held their District cross country trials recently at St Mary’s High School in Lugwardine and John Kyrle were well represented. Pupils were aiming to finish in the top 16 places to earn selection for the Hereford District squad.

In glorious conditions, Sixth Form students did well with Chloe Wheeler defending her title, winning the Senior girls race by 400m and Toby Dickens claimed silver in his first ever school race, in the Senior Boys event.

In the Intermediate age group, Katrina Bennett and Otto Mendelsson ran strongly, finishing second and third respectively in their races, with George Aubrey (4th), Ella Jones (5th) and Katie Smith (6th) also qualifying for a place in the District squad.

In the Junior age group, Faith Robbins took the bronze medal with Zoe Whitehouse close behind her in fourth place. Whilst in the boys event Jake Ashley narrowly missed out on a medal, also finishing in fourth with Ethan Rees qualifying in ninth spot.

In the Year 7 race, competition was tough, and on a new course for the athletes two JKHS students managed a top ten finish, so congratulations to Lilia Samuel and Macy Walker.

All those athletes finishing in the top 16 will now go on to represent Hereford Schools at the County Championships in Bromsgrove in January and the staff at John Kyrle High School would like to wish them the best of luck.