THREE young members of the Tavistock Running Project took part in the English Schools’ Athletics Association Cross Country Championships which were held at Newsam Park, Leeds on Saturday.

Teams from all over the country had qualified in their respective regional qualifiers for this event, to compete against the best secondary school age children of each county. 

TRP’S Oliver Smart, in the intermediate boys age group (17 and under), and Edward Smart in the senior boys (19 and under). competed for Devon while Jacob Thomas-Hegarty qualified for the Cornwall team in the intermediate boys event. 

Ollie and Jacob raced in the 5,200m event, through bitterly cold winds and snowy conditions; it proved to be an extremely tough course, not least so for Ollie who began the race strongly, amongst the lead pack; however, he was accidentally tripped early on in the race and lost around 100 places. With grit, determination and sheer talent he fought through to finish in 15th place in an excellent time of 18 minutes 16 seconds. Jacob also fought hard against the elements and ran an extremely consistent and strong race to finish 253rd in a great time of 20.41. 

Next up from TRP, was Edward Smart competing in the senior boys’ race, this time running 6,800m across churned up mud and through blizzard like snow. Again, Edward ran a consistent and strong race finishing 212th overall in a superb time of 26.44. 

The Devon boys also helped place their team eighth county overall - a superb achievement.