SWINDON Harriers chairman Bryan Clinton has praised the club’s young athletes for their tremendous results at the Swindon Schools Cross Country Championships last weekend.

The club’s talented group of youngsters won every race bar one of the six – and even that victory went to an ex-member – while there were plenty of other medallists as well.

“It was a great day for the club, and it is very encouraging to see the young athletes coming through and delivering some fine performances,” said Clinton.

Ellie Charlesworth, who is coached by Debbie Gunning and John Hughes, led the way in the minor girls’ age group with training partners Freya McMeeking and Esha Bhalero completing a clean sweep.

There was also a clean sweep for the Harriers in the inter-girls’ age group with Carly Lainton, Maisie McCalla and Faith Herring claiming the top three spots.

All three girls, plus Bella Ryder in fourth, are coached by John Dill.

Dill also enjoyed another clean sweep in the inter-boys’ race with Anubis Molina-Zekri, Arthur Widdows and Connor Sheriffs claiming first, second, and third.

“It was a really good day for the club and good to see so many of our young athletes competing and doing well,” said Dill.

Finley Kuklinksi, who is coached by Kevin Buttle, won the minor boys’ race, with Finley Byrne just missing a place on the podium in fourth.

Also from Buttle’s group, Al Virgilio was an impressive winner of the junior boys’ race from training partner Josh Steward, with Ben Charlesworth, brother of Ellie, fourth.

The junior girls’ race was won emphatically by Gracie Martin, who is a former member of the Harries. The hope is that she may return to compete again in club colours in 2023 after pursuing other sporting interests.