THE East Cornwall Schools Cross Country Series has been hailed a success despite one of its toughest years yet – with hundreds of young runners turning out across the season.

Sponsored by the Cornish Times and Parkes & Pearn Estate Agents, the popular series saw 40 different schools take part, with four races completed at venues including Horningtops (twice), Cotehele and Lanhydrock.

Organisers described it as a “difficult season to put it mildly” with relentless winter weather causing disruption throughout, whilst the ongoing search for venues – including enough parking – proved problematic.

That said, Revis Crowle, head coach of East Cornwall Harriers, praised the dedication of all the runners, schools and supporters who attended each race.

Despite the challenges, participation in the annual series remained high. A total of 1,968 finishes were recorded across the four races – with 693 different runners completing at least one event.

Bringing togethers runners from Years 3 to 6, the events are organised entirely by volunteers from East Cornwall Harriers, whose small but dedicated team manage everything from race day logistics to results and administration.

Revis praised the resilience of all involved and paid tribute to the sponsors for their continued support in keeping the series running.

However, the future of the event remains uncertain after Revis, who has led the series for more than 20 years, confirmed she is stepping down at the series medal ceremony held at St Mellion Golf & Country Club.

Having started when her son was just seven, Revis has seen generations of young runners come through the series. Organisers, though, say they hope someone will step forward to continue her legacy and ensure the much-loved series returns next year.

Series winners:

Individual

Year 3/4 Girls: 1 Millie O’Brien (Bishop Cornish), 2 Amelia Mullard (Stoke Climsland), 3 Lottie Gorman (Stoke Climsland)

Year 3/4 Boys: 1 Jack Sanderson (Antony), 2 Jacob Bloye (Harrowbarrow), 3 Nico Flood (Carbeile)

Year 5/6 Girls: 1 Theia Jones (Bishop Cornish), 2 Emilia Kennedy (Pensilva), 3 Shara Ingleby (Bishop Cornish)

Year 5/6 Boys: 1 Jacob Sweeney (Bishop Cornish), 2 Christopher Weatherell (Millbrook), 3 Cameron Edwards (Burraton)

Team

Year 3/4 Girls: 1 Stoke Climsland (51 points), 2 Bishop Cornish (270), 3 Burraton (282)

Year 3/4 Boys: 1 Sir Robert Gefferys (236), 2 Dobwalls (330), 3 Stoke Climsland (350)

Year 5/6 Girls: 1 Bishop Cornish (135), 2 Carbeile (284), 3 Burraton (352)

Year 5/6 Boys: 1 Burraton (176), 2 Carbeile (212), 3 Lewannick (237)