Newry, Mourne and Down Schools Shine at Be Active Annual P7 Cross Country Event

Dunleath Playing Fields in Downpatrick was filled with 384 enthusiastic P7 pupils representing 26 local schools on Tuesday 14 October as part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s annual Be Active Cross Country event.

The day began with a lively group warm-up, featuring an upbeat musical session that had the young athletes energised and ready to take on the 1,100m course.

To help guide the runners around the route, Matthew Taylor from East Down Athletics Club acted as the lead runner, ensuring all participants followed the course safely and smoothly.

The students showed great determination and focus, and the event began with the girls’ race, where participants set off at a fast pace, maintaining impressive stamina throughout the course. The boys’ race followed, with each runner giving their all to compete for individual and team honours over the 1,100m distance.

The event benefited greatly from the support of East Down Athletics Club, with dedicated club volunteers assisting to ensure the smooth running of each race. Their contribution played a key role in the success of the event, alongside the Red Cross First Aiders, who were on hand throughout to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, attended the event to cheer on the participants and present medals and trophies to the top performers. He said, “It is wonderful to see so many children from across the district participating in this year’s Be Active P7 Cross Country event. The determination and enthusiasm shown by these young athletes is truly inspiring. Events like this not only promote physical activity and healthy competition but also foster a sense of community and teamwork. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Girls’ Individual Results:
• 1st: Lily Henderson, Spa Primary School, Ballynahinch
• 2nd: Jenny Gunson, Spa Primary School, Ballynahinch
• 3rd: Emily McGreevy, Glasswater Primary School, Crossgar

Boys’ Individual Results:
• 1st: James Carragher, St Patrick’s Primary School, Crossmaglen
• 2nd: Jay Foster, Spa Primary School, Ballynahinch
• 3rd: Corey Magee, All Children’s Integrated Primary School, Newcastle

Girls’ Team Results:
• 1st: Spa Primary School, Ballynahinch
• 2nd: St Brigid’s Primary School, Glassdrummond
• 3rd: St Patrick’s Primary School, Crossmaglen

Boys’ Team Results:
• 1st: St Patrick’s Primary School, Crossmaglen
• 2nd: Carrick Primary School, Burren
• 3rd: St Joseph’s Primary School, Bessbrook

The Be Active P7 Cross Country event continues to be a highlight of the district’s sporting calendar, encouraging young people to embrace healthy competition, teamwork and perseverance. Congratulations to all the students and schools who took part.