Well-drilled students take on cross country

Runners from Paparore, Abundant Life, Oturu, Pukemiro, Awanui and Pompallier primary schools took part in the Central Zone cross country championships which were held on Heather Jones' farm on West Coast Road last Friday. The event took place in fine, clear late winter conditions, accompanied by a biting wind fresh off nearby Ninety Mile Beach.

Before each of the 14 races, on behalf of the hosting Paparore Primary School, principal John 'Sir' Windleborn came across like a drill sergeant from a Hollywood army movie, albeit a far more benevolent one, as he personally led runners through the pre-race start which included warm-ups, barked-out directions and motivational speeches along with warnings to the young runners to watch out for fresh cow patties.

"Which way are you going to go?" Windleborn yelled, to receive a resounding chorus of "THAT WAY!" from the runners in turn.

"What happens when you fall over?" "GET UP AND KEEP GOING!" was the unequivocal reply.

"That's right, you get up and keep going. You don't go running back crying to your mum or your dad!"

Separate races were held for boys and girls in age groups for 5 and 6, then 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 years. The top 10 placegetters from divisions 8 years and older earned the right to progress to the Far North Primary Schools inter-zone championships at Peria on Friday, September 5, where they will race against the top 10 runners from the east, west and north primary school zones. Results and more images from the Paparore School event will feature in next week's edition.