MORE than 200 children from 16 South Lakeland primary schools took part in a muddy one-mile u11 cross country race at Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School.

The host school won the overall winner's awards while Sedbergh Primary School's Fraser Sproul, and Penny Bridge Academy's Olesia Winder, won the boys and girls races respectively.

"This is the third year running that we have offered our facilities to South Lakes for the Cross Country event," said Juan Gonzalez Mendia, director of sport at the school. "Regardless of the adverse weather all the children showed great character and determination, especially the boys race when the worst of the rain came in.

"The Cross Country track remained in good condition as a result of our fantastic grounds staff. It was fantastic to receive so many spectators’, parents, and children attending the event-what a great turn out of support. We look forward to hosting this event next year."

Richard Gorst, in charge of running, added: "226 primary school runners completed the mile course and it was a day to remember for many of the children who ran.

"Running over a ‘proper’ cross-country course, with hills, mud, rain and wind to contend with is character building. It does take quite a lot of organising, but it is always worth it. The smiles on the muddy faces at the end is a wonderful sight."

Michelle Crowley, who works at Ghyllside School, said: "We instil in our Ghyllsiders the 'ready for anything and it’s only a bit of rain, hail, sleet, snow attitude' so it was great to see it go ahead."