Triumphant Ripon cross country runners qualify for national finals after gold at regional championships

The impressive win at the North East Regional Finals of the English Schools Athletics Association Cross Country Cup secures the six-strong senior girls’ team a place at the national finals in Rugby this December.

Leading the field was Natasha Pointon who beat off stiff competition from more than 30 athletes to clinch victory.

The 15-year-old and her teammates – Ellie Walsh, Bobbi Todd, Lottie Day, Tara Pearce and Holly Nash – were racing against competitors up to two years older from Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and Cleveland.

Adam Milner, Director of Sport at Ripon Grammar School, described the girls’ dominant display at the event at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough, which attracted entrants from 17 schools throughout the region, as ‘phenomenal’.

“The senior girls were in superb form, demonstrating strength in depth and exceptional teamwork.

“Natasha delivered a commanding and almost effortless first place finish, setting the tone for a dominant and controlled team display – it was a pleasure to watch.

“They all ran with determination and heart, hunting down every place and ensuring Ripon Grammar School’s convincing victory”

There were strong results across the board for Ripon Grammar School at the event, with the intermediate boys placing seventh, senior boys finishing sixth, and intermediate girls coming eleventh.

Mr Milner said: “A particular highlight was Isabelle Forsyth’s outstanding fourth-place finish in the intermediate girls’ race - a superb run in a very competitive field.”

He praised the efforts of all the students: “The commitment, effort and determination shown by all our runners has been outstanding.

"The hard work they put into training - including our Thursday lunchtime running club - is really paying off, and it’s fantastic to see their dedication rewarded with such brilliant results.”

Mr Milner also highlighted the crucial role played by teaching assistant and keen runner Suzanne Rickard, whose dedication to organising, supporting and motivating the athletes continues to be instrumental in the school’s success.

He added: “Mrs Rickard does an amazing job bringing our teams together, creating such a positive and hardworking atmosphere.

"None of this would be possible without her continued enthusiasm and leadership.

“The collective achievements of Ripon Grammar School’s cross-country teams are a true reflection of their determination, teamwork and school spirit.

“All eyes will be on the senior girls as they head to the national finals in Rugby December, looking to make their mark on the national stage once again.”